The 49ers’ 2019 draft class has a chance to have a huge influence on the team’s success. They’ll have several rookies stepping into starting jobs, and others asked to be contributors starting in Week 1.
We went through the 49ers’ eight draft picks and ranked them in order of the impact they’ll have in their rookie seasons.
DE Nick Bosa (Round 1)
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Bosa on the field for all three downs right away. He’s supposed to be a high-impact player at the most important position on the defense. Bosa’s production should have a ripple effect that helps the 49ers’ sack totals, as well as their abysmal turnover numbers. Getting better pass rush off the edge should elevate San Francisco’s pass defense from one of the NFL’s worst, and singlehandedly help generate more wins.
WR Deebo Samuel (Round 2)
A lack of playmakers on the perimeter stalled out the 49ers offense too often last season, especially in the red zone. Samuel’s ability to get open in tight spaces should make him a go-to pass catcher in the red zone and on third downs. His big-play ability after the catch will make him a threat in all three levels of the passing game. Adding him to an improving group of receivers should provide a quick boost to San Francisco’s receiving corps.
P Mitch Wishnowsky (Round 4)
The Wishnowsky pick in Round 4 came with some criticism, but he’ll have a chance to give the 49ers an advantage they haven’t had in the field position battle since Andy Lee’s departure. Former punter Bradley Pinion finished near the bottom of the league in punting average all four years he was in San Francisco. If Wishnowsky can step in and average nearly 46 yards-per-punt in the NFL like he did in college, he’ll be a weapon for San Francisco when their offense stalls.
LB Dre Greenlaw (Round 5)
Injuries in the linebacking corps, along with a new alignment on the defensive front, could push Greenlaw into action faster than anticipated. If Kwon Alexander is sidelined to start the year, Greenlaw will be in the running to slide in at weak side linebacker until Alexander returns. Along with that, he’ll have an opportunity to contribute heavily on special teams. Even if he doesn’t get any starts on defense, Greenlaw should make a quick impact for the 49ers.
TE Kaden Smith (Round 6)
An injury will keep incumbent backup tight end Garrett Celek out until at least the start of training camp, and that opens the door for Smith to contend for the job. Even if he doesn’t carve out a job as the No. 2 tight end, his size and ability to make contested catches may earn him some snaps both in line and in the slot. If Smith emerges as a consistent threat inside the red zone, he’ll be able to pull down a few touchdowns in his rookie year for a 49ers passing attack that needs help in that area.
WR Jalen Hurd (Round 3)
Hurd could wind up being one of the most unique offensive weapons in the league. The team plans to deploy him in a variety of positions, but an extraordinarily full plate could limit his Year 1 impact. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the 49ers use him in a more condensed role as a rookie while he continues to hone his wide receiver skill set and learn the various aspects of the offense he’ll need to know to succeed. Don’t be surprised if a muted rookie season is followed by a much bigger second and third years for the former Baylor receiver.
OT Justin Skule (Round 6)
The 49ers are set at tackle with Joe Staley still playing at a high level and Mike McGlinchey coming off a strong rookie year. Skule won’t have a chance to start barring injury, but the swing tackle spot is wide open. He could wind up being the team’s swing tackle and the top backup for both Staley and McGlinchey. Ideally for San Francisco, Skule won’t need to have an impact for them in 2019. A win for him would be snagging a roster spot and being active on game days.
CB Tim Harris (Round 6)
Injuries may keep Harris from getting to contribute as a rookie, but he could wind up being one of the best corners on the roster with a lot of unproven talent. However, with so many players in front of him on the depth chart, it’s difficult to see Harris climbing his way to a starting job this year. Perhaps he emerges atop the crowded competition, but that seems more likely in the coming years.
