Hot Takes, Predictions for 49ers Rookies After 2024 NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers planned for their long-term future with their selections in the 2024 NFL draft.

First-round pick Ricky Pearsall can make some sort of impact in 2024, but his presence will carry even more importance in 2025 and beyond when Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, or both players move on from the franchise.

Second-round cornerback Renardo Green could find himself in the same situation behind Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir.

The 49ers needed some depth in the secondary, so Green could make a bigger impact on defense than Pearsall does on offense from the start.

San Francisco also took a running back in the fourth round. That may be turn out to the most notable development from the six picks made in the third round and beyond.

Ricky Pearsall's Impact Felt in Second Half of Season

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BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 11: Ricky Pearsall #1 of the Florida Gators runs with the ball as Javien Toviano #25 of the LSU Tigers defends during the second half at Tiger Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Pearsall is not coming into the 49ers offense to be the first, second, third or fourth option in the 49ers offense.

Samuel, Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and George Kittle currently fill those spots on the depth chart.

Of course, that could change in the months before the regular season if the 49ers entertain a trade for either Samuel or Aiyuk.

If the depth chart holds, Pearsall has some work to do just to get on the field in the first half of the regular season.

San Francisco's depth combined with the potential learning curve within the offense makes it more likely Pearsall impacts the offense in the second half of the season.

Pearsall could make an impact earlier if an injury occurs, but do not be surprised if pops up out of nowhere in November and December to help the 49ers win one or two games.

Renardo Green Makes Most Immediate Impact of Draft Picks

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CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 28: Renardo Green #8 of the Florida State Seminoles reads the backfield during a football game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Allegacy Federal Credit Union Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on Oct 28, 2023. (Photo by David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Renardo Green will probably see more significant playing time compared to Pearsall at the start of the 2024 campaign.

Green will not be a starter, but he can play an important role in support of Ward and Lenoir.

Green totaled 22 passes defended during his collegiate career at Florida State, but 13 of those came during the 2023 campaign.

He also recorded 111 of his 148 collegiate tackles in his final two seasons with the Seminoles.

Green improved during his final two years at FSU and that progression should allow him to contribute right away with the 49ers.

He may only feature in a nickel role to start the season, but he can provide the 49ers with some needed depth on the outside.

Isaac Guerendo Becomes Fascinating Part of Rushing Attack

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SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 27: Louisville Cardinals running back Isaac Guerendo (23) runs the ball for a gain during the Directv Holiday Bowl football game between the Louisville Cardinals and the USC Trojans on December 27, 2023, at Petco Park in San Diego, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The 49ers' fourth-round pick of Isaac Guerendo should add depth to the rushing attack.

Of course, no one is taking snaps away from Christian McCaffrey in the ground game, but Guerendo could challenge for on-field time behind the star ball-carrier.

Guerendo burst on the scene with Louisville for 810 yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

Before that, Guerendo made a minimal impact at Wisconsin. His transfer to Louisville significantly helped his draft stock.

Guerendo may not be as experienced as other running backs in the draft class, but as we have seen with Elijah Mitchell and other late-round draft picks, the 49ers know what they are doing at the running back position.

Guerendo may not eclipse Mitchell on the depth chart this season, but he will have opportunities to flash his potential, and if he plays well in those windows, he could become a fascinating third option as the playoffs roll around.