ESPN: Two 49ers draft picks raise questions about roster's future

ESPN recently examined the biggest post-draft questions for each NFL team, and following a rumor-filled 2024 NFL Draft, many are pondering what the San Francisco 49ers' plans for the wide receiver position might entail.

There was chatter surrounding a potential Brandon Aiyuk trade leading up to the draft and throughout the first round, but that never materialized. Then, after the surprising selection of wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick, the rumor mill shifted to Deebo Samuel's uncertain future and whether the draft selection might indicate the 49ers are preparing for eventual life without Samuel.

"The draft came and went with Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings on the Niners' roster despite plenty of outside trade speculation," ESPN's Nick Wagoner wrote. "That's likely to be the case for this season, but the Niners are planning for life without at least one (if not two) of them as soon as 2025."

Dane Brugler of The Athletic described Pearsall as a receiver with "Velcro hands" who doesn't shy away from contact, making him a potential reliable target for quarterback Brock Purdy.

Pearsall wasn't the only wide receiver drafted. The 49ers also selected Jacob Cowing in the fourth round. He's a smaller receiver but a consistent contributor, finishing his career with a reception in 57 consecutive games, the second-longest streak in FBS history.

"They used a first-round pick on receiver Ricky Pearsall and a fourth-round choice on Jacob Cowing to add immediate depth and potential long-term starters," Wagoner continued. "The plan has been and remains to try to work out a long-term contract extension for Aiyuk. If that happens, difficult decisions on Samuel and Jennings (an unrestricted free agent in 2025) will await after the season."

For now, it looks like Aiyuk, Samuel, and Jennings are safe for the 2024 season, which may be the trio's last year together.

"We're happy with our wide receiver group," general manager John Lynch said. "Actually, more than happy. We're really thrilled with it and thrilled to have added Ricky to that group and even make it stronger."