Would the San Francisco 49ers rethink their 2024 draft strategy if they could go back, knowing how a disappointing season played out? Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox explored that hypothetical for every NFL team, rewinding the clock and projecting how the 2024 NFL Draft might have unfolded with the benefit of hindsight.
In Knox's re-draft, the Chicago Bears pass on Caleb Williams and instead select Jayden Daniels, the eventual NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, with the No. 1 overall pick. That sends Williams to the Washington Commanders at No. 2, flipping the original quarterback selections.
As for the 49ers, who initially selected wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick, Knox believes San Francisco would have a difficult decision to make—one that may lead them to a different standout rookie from their own 2024 class.
Pearsall's debut season was derailed early after he was shot in the chest during a robbery attempt in San Francisco, causing him to miss the start of the season. Despite the setback, he showed flashes of potential, finishing the year with 400 receiving yards, 45 rushing yards, and three total touchdowns.
In this alternate scenario, the 49ers would also be aware that star receiver Brandon Aiyuk would suffer a season-ending ACL and MCL injury, and that Deebo Samuel would later be traded to the Washington Commanders. That added context would create an even greater need for reliable offensive weapons—perhaps like Pearsall.
However, instead of doubling down on wide receiver, Knox has the 49ers opting to bolster their offensive line by drafting guard Dominick Puni with their first-round pick. Puni, originally selected in the third round, played every offensive snap in 2024 and emerged as a reliable force up front.
"He finished the year ranked 11th overall among 136 guards by Pro Football Focus," Knox wrote. "It's a tricky choice because the 49ers also know that they'll hand quarterback Brock Purdy a five-year, $265 million extension in 2025. One way or another, they need to ensure that a strong offense surrounds their franchise signal-caller.
"Having seen more from Puni than Pearsall through a calendar year, San Francisco opts for the former."
With the benefit of hindsight, the 49ers pass on Pearsall in the first round, in favor of Puni, betting on the rookie who made a more significant immediate impact and provided stability in the trenches.