The San Francisco 49ers entered the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25 with 10 picks over the three-day draft.
In an offense-dominated first round that saw six quarterbacks go in the first 12 picks and a record-tying seven wide receivers selected, the 49ers grabbed one of those receivers when they took Florida’s Ricky Pearsall with the No. 31 pick. They went defense in the second round, trading down one spot from No. 63 to 64 and taking Florida State cornerback Renardo Green. The 49ers went the other way in the third round, trading up eight spots — and surrendering a fourth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in the process — to take Kansas guard Dominick Puni.
NFL Draft 2024 tracker: Live blog, picks and analysis
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Draft pick grades: Round 1 | Rounds 2-3
Full draft order: Team picks for all 257 selections
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Keep coming back here throughout the draft for analysis and grades for each 49ers pick.
Round 1
No. 31: Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida
How he fits
This feels like either a reach or an insurance policy in case Brandon Aiyuk ends up getting dealt. Florida receiver Ricky Pearsall will make some tough catches and could wind up running plenty of interior routes alongside tight end George Kittle. A five-year veteran with three seasons at Arizona State and his final two at Florida, Pearsall (6-1, 189) has built a reputation for his toughness and ability to haul in difficult catches. Last year with the Gators, Pearsall caught 65 balls for 965 yards (14.8 yards per catch) and four scores. As a junior, Pearsall averaged 20.0 yards per catch (33-661) with five scores. At the combine, Pearsall ran a 4.41-second 40 and had a 42-inch vertical jump. — Scott Dochterman
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Pearsall wasn’t a home-run hitter on tape, but he is a reliable receiving option with the route quickness and ball skills to quickly become a favorite target for an NFL quarterback. He has the skill set and toughness to work inside or outside and return punts at the next level.
David Lombardi’s analysis
49ers draft Ricky Pearsall: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Grade: B-
GO DEEPER
NFL Draft 2024 Round 1 grades: Falcons, Broncos get Cs for Penix, Nix; Bears earn two A’s
Round 2
No. 64: Renardo Green, CB, Florida State
How he fits
A five-year player at Florida State who appeared in more than 50 college games, Green is a competitive press corner who plays with great length and physicality both in coverage and against the run. He’s small, however, and might have issues with stronger receivers on the outside or in the box. The tackle board sort of wiped out here, so I don’t mind going cornerback. I do think there were better CB options, though, as Green has one interception in those 52 games and got flagged too often for my taste. — Nick Baumgardner
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Green is a polarizing prospect among NFL teams, because he doesn’t have desired size, speed or ball-tracking skills and won’t be a fit for every scheme. But his play personality and ability to quickly find his balance mid-coverage helps him stay connected and will give him a chance to earn a meaningful role in an NFL secondary.
Matt Barrows’ analysis
49ers draft Renardo Green: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Grade: C+
GO DEEPER
NFL Draft Rounds 2 and 3 grades: Eagles earn A for DeJean, Commanders get mixed reviews
Round 3
No. 86: Dominick Puni, G, Kansas
How he fits
It’s a bit surprising Puni made it this far down the line. The former Kansas standout is a guard/tackle prospect who got a lot of pass protection work in college but also translates well inside to guard. A big man (33 3/8 arms, 10 1/8 hands), Puni needs to make sure he’s consistent with his bend — especially if he sticks outside – but there is a lot of potential here. Possibly even inside at center. — Nick Baumgardner
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Puni will get himself in trouble bending at the waist or letting his pads rise, but he plays big, powerful and sends a harsh message with his hands while staying controlled through contact. He can play tackle, if needed, but projects best as an NFL starting guard or center.
Matt Barrows’ analysis
49ers draft Dominick Puni: How he fits, pick grade and scouting intel
Grade: B+
Round 4
No. 124 (via Cowboys): Malik Mustapha, S, Wake Forest
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Modeling his game after Budda Baker, Mustapha delivers immediate stopping power as a tackler and does a great job balancing power and poise to stay under control as a finisher. Though he reads play development well in coverage, he lacks the twitch to stay connected in man-to-man or overlap zones. Overall, Mustapha doesn’t have the tape of an instinctive ballhawk, but he is a passionate competitor with outstanding range versus the run and disciplined movements in coverage. With a skill set similar to Jordan Whitehead, he should shine on special-teams coverages in the NFL and will push for defensive snaps early in his career.
David Lombardi’s analysis
The 49ers needed to add a safety and they do so in the fourth round in Malik Mustapha — one of the best run defenders in the draft at the position. Mustapha is a ball of muscle at 5-10, 210 pounds. He ran 4.5 40 and didn’t commit a single penalty over four years in college. He also has gunner experience. Special teams will be important to make a crowded 49ers’ 53-man roster.
No. 129: Isaac Guerendo
Dane Brugler’s analysis
Guerendo is an elite tester with rare speed and acceleration for his size (along with DK Metcalf, he’s one of just two 220-plus-pound prospects in the last 20 years to run a 4.33-second or better 40-yard dash at the combine). However, his decision-making isn’t as explosive as his feet, which keeps him from always playing up to his testing numbers. Overall, Guerendo doesn’t have an impressive body of work, but his build, explosiveness and ability on passing downs (blocking and receiving) suggest his NFL resume will far outshine what he did in college — if he can stay healthy. Along with competing on special teams, he projects best in a one-cut, outside-zone scheme that will give him runways to show off his speed.
Matt Barrows’ analysis
Guerendo is very much a Kyle Shanahan pick in that he’s a one-step-and-go runner. Guerendo ran a 4.33 at the combine. He’s similar to former 49ers running back Raheem Mostert.
Round 6
No. 215 (Compensatory)
Round 7
No. 251
(Photo of Malik Mustapha: David Jensen / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
