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In a special for FOX Sports, analyst Bucky Brooks ranked his top five NFL rookies through Week 10, and San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell received some love. The Louisiana product landed at No. 5 on Brooks' power ranking.
"Elijah Mitchell was a sixth-round pick, and who thought he would be able to make an immediate impact?" Brooks said. "Well, the San Francisco 49ers did because this is what they do at the running back position. They typically take late-round picks, and they transform them and make them stars.
"Elijah Mitchell might be the next one to get it done in Kyle Shanahan's offense. He already has over 500 yards, he has three touchdowns, and if you've got a chance to check them out against the Rams, Elijah Mitchell was making it happen."
Mitchell carried the football 27 times for 91 rushing yards in the 31-10 rout of the Rams. That put the rookie at 560 rushing yards and three touchdowns through seven game appearances this season.
"Outstanding vision, one-cut runner," Brooks continued. "Runs behind his pads, so he has great physicality and finishing skills. As the 49ers kind of lean into their running game as their identity, Elijah Mitchell could be a star out west in the Bay Area."
Mitchell is dealing with a finger fracture this week and did not practice on Wednesday. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan is optimistic that the rookie running back could still play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Below is Brooks' entire top-5 rookie power ranking through Week 10.
Patriots among teams that looked into trading for 49ers WR Deebo Samuel
By David Bonilla
Apr 26
Numerous NFL teams reportedly reached out to the San Francisco 49ers before and during the draft to inquire about the team's star wide receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports that the New England Patriots were among the teams that had "preliminary trade discussions" about Samuel.
"In general, when teams explore potential transactions with other clubs, finding middle ground on compensation can be challenging," wrote Anderson. "There are always many considerable factors on why the price should possibly be one thing, or another."
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Why 49ers' Malik Mustapha was among insider's favorite 4th-round draft picks
By David Bonilla
Apr 30
The San Francisco 49ers made three fourth-round selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, the first of which was former Wake Forest safety Malik Mustapha. ESPN's NFL insider, Field Yates, compiled his list of the five selections he liked the most for each round, factoring in value, fit, and what the player brings to the table.
Mustapha was among Yates' list of rookies that impressed him in the fourth round. The two-year starting safety delivered 80 tackles, including five for a loss, 0.5 sacks, two passes defensed, an interception, and a forced fumble through 12 games in 2023.
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Three 49ers land on Matt Miller's list of top 100 draft picks
By David Bonilla
May 2
Three San Francisco 49ers made it onto ESPN analyst Matt Miller's list of the 100 best picks, steals, and fits from the 2024 NFL Draft. He recently unveiled his ranking, considering various factors such as the pick's value, how well the player fits into the team's scheme, whether the selection addressed a team need, and what the prospect brings to the field.
The 49ers made eight picks during the draft, and Miller's take is intriguing, especially since he remains a dedicated fan of the team.
Let's break down which 49ers landed within Miller's recent ranking, starting with the highest-ranked player,
Why former GM doesn't expect 49ers QB Brock Purdy's new deal to top the market
By David Bonilla
21 hrs
Brock Purdy is poised to become the highest-paid player for the San Francisco 49ers next year. That's when the team can begin contract extension negotiations. There's ongoing speculation about where Purdy's impending mega-deal will land compared to the contracts of other elite quarterbacks. While some anticipate he could command the highest salary in the league, especially if he replicates his stellar 2023 performance, others suggest he deserves to be handsomely paid, but without necessarily topping the market.
Former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum, currently an ESPN analyst, offered his viewpoint on "NFL Live," outlining why he thinks it's advantageous for both Purdy and the 49ers if the quarterback doesn't demand the highest salary in the league.
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