Power ranking 49ers 2021 rookie NFL Draft class after beating Rams
By Peter Panacy
49ers 2021 Rookie NFL Power Rankings: Bottom Tier
Offensive lineman Alfredo Gutierrez, wide receiver Austin Watkins Jr. and the previously unrostered wide receiver Connor Wedington are all on the Niners’ practice squad, so let’s not waste too much time trying to figure out where they stand in post-Week 10 NFL power rankings.
Instead, let’s take a look at where things stand towards the proverbial “bottom of the barrel” of San Francisco’s 2021 rookie class.
42. . . Previous: 6th. Aaron Banks. 8. player
If second-round offensive guard Aaron Banks’ stock value was low at the start of the regular season, it’s even lower now after being active for just two games this year and still not having seen a snap on either offense or special teams.
The 49ers could have played him in the wake of fellow rookie lineman Jaylon Moore suffering a knee injury in Week 10, which could have happened if veteran right guard Daniel Brunskill moved over to right tackle.
Instead, Tom Compton filled in for Moore, meaning the Niners like Compton far more than they do Banks right now.
Previous: 5th. Ambry Thomas. 7. player. 42. .
While not quite as dramatic as Banks, third-round rookie cornerback Ambry Thomas hasn’t been much of a factor this season after struggling over the preseason and in Week 1 where he’s received his only defensive snaps this season.
A frequent member of the weekly inactive list, Thomas might get a little bit of a boost in the wake of San Francisco parting ways with veteran cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who wasn’t exactly offering up much to the defense anyway.
That helps Thomas a bit. But it likely helps another rookie corner a lot more.
42. . . Previous: 4th. Trey Sermon. 6. player
The 49ers like rookie running back Elijah Mitchell, veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. and second-year pro JaMycal Hasty much more than they do their third-round draftee, Trey Sermon, this deep into the season.
Hasty was inactive in Week 10 because of an injury, but head coach Kyle Shanahan elected to feature Mitchell and Wilson as the primary ball-carriers, as well as an additional five carries going to wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
When wideouts are receiving rushing attempts over third-round running backs, it’s not good news.
If there is good news for Sermon, though, Mitchell suffered a broken finger in the win over the Rams and might miss a short stint of time, potentially opening up the door for some modest action for the former.