Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Grading 2015 Rookie Class after Season

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers punter Bradley Pinion (5) punts the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers punter Bradley Pinion (5) punts the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

P Bradley Pinion

2015 Statistics

Rookie punter Bradley Pinion started off the season under the microscope long before he even suited up for the 49ers. A fifth-round pick, Pinion was the first specialist taken during the 2015 NFL draft, which certainly created a lot of consternation towards general manager Trent Baalke.

Pinion’s rookie season was hit or miss. In Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, Pinion averaged just 38 yards per try on four punts — his lowest in-game mark. His best in-game average came in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons with an average of 48.2 on five total punts.

And Pinion certainly was busy over the season. His 91 punts on the year ranked fourth in the league.

Pinion finished the season with an average of 43.6 yards per punt. One should note former 49ers punter Andy Lee — the same player whom Pinion replaced — averaged just 41.6 yards per punt during his rookie season back in 2004.

Consistency is the major issue with Pinion here. And while he may have some better years ahead of him, it’s safe enough to say Pinion’s rookie season was disappointing.

Grade: D+

Next: DeAndre Smelter