It worked out for the 49ers the last time they selected a receiver in the first round
Looking back at the past is natural, especially during the downtime leading up to training camp and preseason. The 49ers have a rich history with their draft selections. The expectation is that they perform.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was selected in the first round, but what about the other receivers taken in the first round by the 49ers? What about the other cornerbacks taken where Renardo Green was selected? We don’t have to look too far back to find out.
Pick 31 – WR Ricky Pearsall, Florida
Previous 1st round WR selected: 2020’s pick 25 WR Brandon Aiyuk, ASU
There is no doubt the Aiyuk pick was a home run. He’s in line to make more than $20 million per season. The 49ers view him as a first-round talent and the caliber of player you build an offense around. Aiyuk has 269 receptions, 3,391 receiving yards, and 25 touchdowns in his 49er career. If Pearsall even somewhat approached Aiyuk’s numbers , then pick 31 would have been well spent.
A.J. Jenkins was the previous receiver taken in the first round in 2012. Yeah, sorry. The person reading this has as many receptions as a 49er as Jenkins in his three career games.
Pick 64 – CB Renardo Green, FSU
Previous Day 2 CB: 2017’s pick 66 CB Ahkello Witherspoon, Colorado
Witherspoon was taken in the third round of 2017, but it was two picks after Green’s selection, so it is close enough. After four seasons as a 49er, Witherspoon moved on to Pittsburgh following an up-and-down tenure in Santa Clara. During his time with the 49ers, Witherspoon finished with four interceptions and a touchdown. Green may have to wait a season to see the field, but it is a fair bet for him to be more valuable as a 49er.
Pick 86 – OT Dominick Puni, Kansas
Previous 3rd round OL: 2014’s pick 70 C Marcus Martin, USC
The pick difference is 16 spots, but 2014 was the last time the 49ers addressed the offensive line in the third round with Marcus Martin from USC. Martin started 24 games for the team over three seasons before taking a four-year hiatus from the NFL and returning for Detroit and the Patriots in 2020. The Jaguars traded up to the 61st overall pick for the 70th and 150th (Aaron Lynch was selected) overall picks to select WR Allen Robinson. Some have predicted Puni will become the team’s future center, for what it’s worth.
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