Why Riddick thinks the 49ers’ rookie receivers could replace Deebo originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers possess arguably the most potent group of offensive position players in the NFL, but that didn’t stop San Francisco from adding a pair of wide receivers in the 2024 draft.
But could those selections have been made in preparation for a future that does not include one of the The 49ers’ star wide receiver duo by Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk? ESPN’s Louis Riddick certainly thinks so.
During a segment on “NFL Live,” Riddick explained that San Francisco’s decision to select Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall 31st overall was made with a long-term perspective in mind by the NFL’s think tank. 49ers.
“I think Ricky Pearsall is a three-position player, he really is a four-position player,” Riddick explained. “He can play both sides, he can play in the slot, he can line up in the backfield and run routes from there. Who does that? Who is the utility guy like that for San Francisco? That’s Deebo’s role.
“You have to think (49ers general manager) John Lynch was thinking about the future. (Head coach) Kyle Shanahan was thinking about the future. We have to have someone who can fill those multiple positions.”
Pearsall isn’t the only San Francisco rookie who has caught Riddick’s attention, as fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing garnered immense praise from the former NFL executive.
“They (49ers) drafted another guy in the fourth round, Jacob Cowing, who no one is talking about right now, but in Arizona, this guy is just lightning in a bottle,” Riddick detailed. “He’s another guy who can work the inside of the field with blazing speed, great separation, great hands and running after the catch.
“It seems to me that… look, if they’re preparing for the eventual exodus of one of these guys, it seems to me that they’re preparing for the eventual exodus of Deebo Samuel. Because Brandon is more of an outsider. guy who can win the field one on one. That’s my read, we’ll see what happens.” (h/t 49ers web zone)
Samuel is among the most important players on the 49ers roster, but he has recently been the subject of rampant speculation about his future in San Francisco.
While the upside of Pearsall and Cowing is certainly appealing, it would be a huge gamble if the 49ers attempted to replace the 2021 first-team All-Pro receiver given the incredibly unique skill set Samuel possesses.
It remains to be seen whether Pearsall or Cowing will ultimately follow in Samuel’s footsteps, but for now San Francisco enters the 2024 season with an embarrassment of riches at the receiver position, which will surely endear quarterback Brock Purdy.