A recent re-draft from CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles paints a more favorable picture of San Francisco's 2024 class, with two 49ers players coming off the board significantly earlier than they originally did.
Ricky Pearsall's stock rises despite injury setbacks
The first name may surprise some fans: wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. The 49ers originally selected him with the No. 31 overall pick, but in this re-draft, Pereles has him going eight spots earlier to the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 23.
"Pearsall has had truly rotten injury luck, including getting shot in the chest shortly before his rookie season," Pereles explained. "In this hypothetical scenario, he's in Jacksonville, and that episode -- and maybe the other injuries since -- never happen."
Hamstring and PCL injuries slowed Pearsall's development in 2025. He finished the season with 36 receptions for 528 yards and no touchdowns across nine games.
"When he's been on the field, Pearsall has flashed plenty of 'wow' moments and produced some big games," Pereles added.
Dominick Puni projected as a first-round pick
The second 49ers player to see his stock rise is offensive lineman Dominick Puni, who was originally selected No. 86 overall. In the re-draft, he jumps into the first round at No. 27 overall to the Arizona Cardinals.
"The Cardinals took Verse at No. 4 overall, so there's still a hole at wide receiver on this depth chart," Pereles wrote. "Unfortunately, there's not a player who really fits this draft slot. Xavier Worthy would be the closest thing to it, but I'd rather go with Puni, who has been a stalwart ever since arriving in San Francisco. The Cardinals get a much-needed boost up front."
49ers pivot at No. 31 overall in re-draft scenario
With Pearsall off the board at No. 31, the 49ers shift direction and select safety Evan Williams, who was originally taken by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round at No. 111 overall, representing a significant leap.
"Running plays that result in short gains sound boring," Pereles noted. "Not when it's Evan Williams causing them to be short gains. The Green Bay safety comes screaming down toward the line of scrimmage unlike any other player at his position, and watching it from a defensive point of view is thrilling. Plus, in San Francisco, Fred Warner would help cover up some of Williams' inconsistencies as a coverage player. Our first fourth-round pick in this re-draft!"
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Two 49ers players fined for actions during loss to Falcons
According to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco, the NFL has fined two San Francisco 49ers players for actions during the team's Week 7 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Running back Jordan James was fined $6,194 for unnecessary roughness involving the use of his helmet, while... -
49ers still searching for help at two positions before trade deadline
The San Francisco 49ers are off to a 6-1 start and sit atop the NFC West standings. Last week, they made a big move, acquiring defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts. They may not be done making trades. The 49ers weren't the only team to make a major... -
49ers insider predicts 'two or three trades' ahead of deadline
The previously unbeaten San Francisco 49ers exposed some weaknesses in Sunday's upset loss to the Atlanta Falcons. While players returning from injury in the coming weeks should help, San Francisco Standard writer Tim Kawakami believes general manager John Lynch could make... -
49ers mailbag: What's the plan on the defensive line? Can DeForest Buckner make a difference? Should SF hold on to their 2027 draft picks?
Well, it didn't take long to shake things up. The biggest story surrounding the San Francisco 49ers so far this week is the trade for DeForest Buckner, bringing the veteran defensive tackle back to the team where he spent the first four seasons of his NFL career. Buckner was a...