NFL Draft: 49ers select Arizona WR Jacob Cowing with the 135th overall pick

The Niners added a small, but speedy wide receiver to their room.

The San Francisco 49ers selected Arizona wide receiver Jacob Cowing with the 135th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, a compensatory pick the Niners received for free agent departures last offseason. Cowing was expected to be drafted in this range before the draft, ranking 137th on the consensus big board.

We wondered if the 49ers would double down at offensive line. Instead, they dipped their toes into the wide receiver pool again. Cowing, a fifth-year senior, is 5’8, 168 pounds. But he ran a 4.38 40. However, don’t think he’s just a “speed” guy. Cowing runs precise routes and might be more sudden than fast. He’s another slot receiver with return ability. He was Arizona’s punt returner the past two seasons and also had a couple of kick returns.

It’s impossible to argue with Cowing’s collegiate production, who has more receiving yards over the past three college seasons than anyone else. Cowing began his career at UTEP, racking up 1,429 yards from scrimmage back in 2021 before he transferred to Arizona, where he was immediately a top receiver. Over the past two seasons, Cowing recorded 1,882 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns on 175 receptions in 25 games.

After trading their two fifth round picks to move up in the draft earlier in the day, the 49ers are not scheduled to pick again for nearly 100 picks. Barring a trade, the Niners will not be on the clock until the 215th overall selection.