Why Riddick believes rookie 49ers receivers could replace Deebo originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers may possess the most powerful group of players with offensive skills in the NFL, but that didn’t stop San Francisco from adding a pair of wide receivers in the 2024 draft.
But could these choices have been made in preparation for a future that doesn’t include one of the 49ers’ star wide receiver duos, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk? ESPN’s Louis Riddick certainly believes so.
During a segment on “NFL Live,” Riddick explained that San Francisco’s decision to select Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall at No. 31 was made with a long-term perspective in mind from the 49ers’ brain trust.
“I think Ricky Pearsall is a three-position player, he’s really a four-position player,” Riddick explained. “He can play both spots on the outside, he can play in the slot, he can line up in the backfield and run routes from there. Who does that? Who is that utility guy for San Francisco? That’s Deebo’s role. “
‘You must think so [49ers general manager] John Lynch thought ahead. [Head coach] Kyle Shanahan was thinking ahead. We need someone who can fill these multiple positions.”
Pearsall isn’t the only San Francisco rookie to catch Riddick’s attention, as fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing received huge praise from the former NFL executive.
“She [49ers] drafted another guy in the fourth round in Jacob Cowing, which no one is talking about right now, but in Arizona this guy is just lightning in a bottle,” Riddick explained.” He’s another guy who can work domestically. tremendous speed, great separation, great hands, running after the catch.
“To me it sounds like – look, if they’re preparing for the eventual exodus of one of these guys, it sounds to me like they’re preparing for the eventual exodus of Deebo Samuel. Because Brandon is more of an outsider guy who can win one-on-one in the field. That’s what I read, we’ll see what happens.” (h/t 49ers Webzone)
Samuel is one of the most important players on the 49ers roster, but has recently been the subject of rampant speculation about his future in San Francisco.
While the upside of Pearsall and Cowing is certainly attractive, it would be a huge gamble for the 49ers to attempt to replace the 2021 First-Team All-Pro receiver due to the incredibly unique skill set that Samuel possesses.
Whether Pearsall or Cowing will ultimately follow in Samuel’s footsteps remains to be seen, but for now San Francisco will enter the 2024 season with an embarrassment of riches at the receiver position, which will certainly endear quarterback Brock Purdy.
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