The San Francisco 49ers are going to need their 2024 rookie class to pan out over the next handful of years.
While most of the first-year players don't have outsized roles to start their careers, many of them found ways to contribute in the 49ers' season opener. Roles will surely grow for the players who aren't taking on starting jobs right away, but producing in their more limited capacities is a great first step toward making an impact further along in their careers.
Throughout the 49ers' 2024 campaign we'll keep track of how their rookies produce.
Week 1 was a good start with a slew of players popping up on the stat sheet:
Round 1, Pick 31: WR Ricky Pearsall
Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (14) watches a game against the New York Jets from the sideline during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Week 2
Did not play (NFI list)
Week 1
Did not play (NFI list)
Round 2, Pick 64: CB Renardo Green
Aug 10, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Renardo Green (31) stares into the backfield against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Week 2
It was the defensive NFL debut for Green against the Vikings. He played four snaps, including three at outside corner and one in the slot. That versatility is going to help him earn snaps and a bigger role with San Francisco down the road. He may even be in line for more snaps after Isaac Yiadom struggled at points in the loss. Green also played on special teams and drew a flag.
Week 1
Green didn't play any defensive snaps, instead working in as a key special teams contributor. He played on every kick return and coverage team, and logged a really nice tackle to stifle a punt return.
Round 3, Pick 86: OL Dominick Puni
Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Dominick Puni (77) after defeating the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Week 2
This might have been Puni's first real 'welcome to the NFL' moment. He wasn't great in any facet and allowed three pressures on 45 pass-blocking snaps. He also landed as the worst offensive player by PFF's overall offensive grade. The arrow is still pointing up for Puni, but Sunday was a game to learn from.
Week 1
Puni got the start at right guard and put on a show in his NFL debut. He played 72 total snaps and allowed just one pressure in 36 pass-blocking reps. Puni also graded out well as the second-highest graded run blocker among rookies according to Pro Football Focus.
Round 4, Pick 124: S Malik Mustapha
Aug 18, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Malik Mustapha (43) regains his footing after tackling New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) in the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Week 2
For the second week in a row, Mustapha had a nearly identical game to Green. However, Mustapha saw substantial time on defense. He didn't make much of an impact in coverage, but he was constantly around the football and came up with three tackles in 31 total snaps. If Talanoa Hufanga remains out for Week 3, we may see Mustapha start over the veteran George Odum. Mustapha also maintained his special teams role.
Week 1
Mustapha had an identical game to Green. Both players figure to be starters in the secondary. For now they're both key special teams players getting run on every coverage and return unit.
Round 4, Pick 129: RB Isaac Guerendo
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Running back Isaac Guerendo #49 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass during the second half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Week 2
Guerendo got his first NFL carry against the Vikings. He's still looking for his first NFL rushing yard. His lone run went straight into the line for no gain. That was also his only offensive snap of the contest. We may see that number tick up in a game where San Francisco isn't playing from behind. Interestingly, Guerendo's kick coverage snaps were removed completely. His only three special teams plays came on kick returns.
Week 1
The 49ers played their rookie running back on just three offensive snaps and he didn't touch the ball. He did play 10 special teams snaps, all on kick coverage. He wasn't part of the punt coverage team.
Round 4, Pick 135: WR Jacob Cowing
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 23: Wide receiver Jacob Cowing #83 of the San Francisco 49ers returns a punt in the first half of a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Week 2
We're still waiting for Cowing's offensive debut. His only appearances came on punt returns for the second consecutive week. In Minnesota he muffed a punt that the 49ers were able to recover, but they cannot afford to have ball security on punt returns become a problem. Cowing has to be perfect in that facet.
Week 1
Cowing's contributions came on punt returns where he took two punts back for 15 yards. His four snaps on punt returns were his only Week 1 work.
Round 7, Pick 252: LB Tatum Bethune
Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Tatum Bethune (48) jogs off the field in the third quarter against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Week 2
Bethune was an active special teams contributor again. This time he played on every special teams unit except for the field goal teams. He didn't log a stat against the Vikings.
Week 1
It was a special teams-only night for Bethune. He was on kick returns, punt returns and kick coverage. He was not part of the punt coverage unit. PFF had him down for a missed tackle on special teams.