49ers could have 5 rookies in starting roles for season opener
The San Francisco 49ers needed to find some productivity in the 2024 draft.
As their roster gets older and more expensive, draft picks who contribute while still on their affordable rookie contracts will become paramount to the 49ers' present and future success.
That's why the promising early returns on their 2024 draft class provide optimism for San Francisco expanding its Super Bowl window. Looking ahead to the 49ers' season opener, there are potentially five starting jobs that could be occupied by rookies.
Round 2, Pick 64 | CB Renardo Green
Starting job: Nickel CB
Analysis: Green is in a battle with veteran Isaac Yiadom for a starting job in the 49ers' secondary. Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir will hold down two spots. Yiadom would play outside with Lenoir kicking inside in nickel packages. Green spent most of the offseason and training camp playing in the slot, so he'd likely stay there with Lenoir sticking outside.
Round 3, Pick 86 | OL Dominick Puni
Starting job: Right guard
Analysis: There was hope Puni would be able to contribute as a starter right away. He might have been thrust into action earlier than the 49ers anticipated after Spencer Burford and Jon Feliciano both went down with injuries. The Kansas alum handled himself well with the first-team offense in camp and in the preseason, and he should be the team's Week 1 starter alongside right tackle Colton McKivitz.
Round 4, Pick 124 | S Malik Mustapha
Starting job: Strong safety
Analysis: This one may be a bit of a long shot. George Odum acquitted himself well in the starting SS job throughout camp and the preseason. If Talanoa Hufanga isn't active for the season opener, San Francisco may lean on Odum to get them through to Hufanga's return. Mustapha was with the first-team defense during Monday's practice though, and performed well according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Mustapha had a sack, a pass breakup and a strong run stop during the session. As Odum nurses an ankle he rolled before the preseason finale, Mustapha could make a late push to start against the Jets.
Round 4, Pick 129 | RB Isaac Guerendo
Starting job: Kick returner
Analysis: It seemed unlikely Guerendo would even make the roster after the 49ers' second preseason game. He was hurt on the first day of camp and hadn't practiced at all through two weeks of the preseason. Then he got on the practice field and into a preseason game and made an immediate impact. His 93-yard kick return against the Las Vegas Raiders was the longest of the preseason. He also showed off the one-cut, downhill running style that provides some optimism he could be productive on offense if called upon. Guerendo may never see the field as a running back in Year 1, but he may have locked up the starting kick return job with his showing in the preseason finale.
Round 4, Pick 135 | WR Jacob Cowing
Starting job: Punt returner
Analysis: Cowing is an electric athlete who looks extremely comfortable catching punts. Whether he winds up turning in a big return or two matters less than his ability to hang onto the football. There aren't a ton of other options on the roster, and Cowing looks like the kind of player the 49ers will want getting touches wherever he can get them. That includes on special teams.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers could have 5 rookies in starting roles for season opener
