The 49ers relied heavily on their rookie class in 2024, and Pro Football Focus recognized two of them on their All-Rookie squad.
The San Francisco 49ers typically haven't called upon rookies to hold significant roles during head coach Kyle Shanahan's tenure.
That changed in 2024, though, partially in the wake of Shanahan and general manager John Lynch targeting more experienced collegiate prospects, many of whom had at least four years of action at the NCAA level.
Whether it was due to injuries or simply because some among the Niners' rookie class stood out better than the rest, more than just a handful of first-year pros saw significant action over the course of what was otherwise a disappointing season.
Fortunately, the bulk of rookies at San Francisco's disposal did not disappoint.
Pro Football Focus names 2 first-year 49ers to 2024 All-Rookie team
In the wake of the 2024 regular season concluding, the folks over at Pro Football Focus compiled their All-Rookie team, and plenty of the names across the league stand out for all the right reasons.
PFF recognized two 49ers players: left guard Dominick Puni and safety Malik Mustapha.
Of Puni, PFF wrote, "In a disappointing year for the 49ers, Puni was a standout success. He finished 11th overall in run-blocking grade, which was particularly impressive."
Puni secured the starting job right out of training camp and never looked back, while Mustapha quickly emerged as a hard-hitting defensive back who looks to be the future at the very last level of the Niners defense.
San Francisco's top pick from 2024, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, missed the opening portion of the regular season after being shot in an attempted robbery on Aug. 31, and he didn't catch on until late in the year.
Cornerback Renardo Green, meanwhile, was likely in consideration for the list but edged out by a couple of Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs.
Here's the full list of PFF All-Rookie selections.
Offense
Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
Quarterback | Jayden Daniels | Commanders |
Running back | Bucky Irving | Buccaneers |
Wide receiver | Malik Nabers | Giants |
Brian Thomas Jr. | Jaguars | |
Ladd McConkey | Chargers | |
Tight end | Brock Bowers | Raiders |
Offensive tackle | J.C. Latham | Titans |
Joe Alt | Chargers | |
Offensive guard | Jackson Powers-Johnson | Raiders |
Dominick Puni | 49ers | |
Center | Zach Frazier | Steelers |
Defense
Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
Edge defender | Jared Verse | Rams |
Chop Robinson | Dolphins | |
Interior defender | T'Vondre Sweat | Titans |
Braden Fiske | Rams | |
Linebacker | Edgerrin Cooper | Packers |
Payton Wilson | Steelers | |
Cornerback | Jarrian Jones | Jaguars |
Quinyon Mitchell | Eagles | |
Cooper DeJean | Eagles | |
Safety | Evan Williams | Packers |
Malik Mustapha | 49ers |