The 49ers didn't look to add a lot of immediate-impact talent via the 2023 NFL Draft, but these four rookies could steal jobs nevertheless.
The San Francisco 49ers didn't make a selection in the 2023 NFL Draft until the very end of Round 3, although they ended up taking home three players in that round: safety Ji'Ayir Brown, kicker Jake Moody and tight end Carmeron Latu.
Those three headlined nine total players general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan selected over the course of the draft. Paired with 11 other undrafted free agents, the 2023 class of first-year players is aimed to support an already Super Bowl-caliber Niners roster.
Not to immediately fill in as starters or primary reserves.
That said, a few from San Francisco's rookie class could ultimately end up turning heads and starting over (or at least rising above) more established veterans right away.
Particularly these four.
49ers rookie Ronnie Bell could steal job from WR Ray-Ray McCloud
Don't miscontstrue this. The 49ers aren't going to part ways with wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud if he winds up losing out in a competition with wide receiver Ronnie Bell, one of the Niners' seventh-round draft choices who could have easily been selected two or three rounds earlier.
Bell is far too valuable in the return game, and that's where he'll be utilized the most.
However, amid injuries to fellow wideout Deebo Samuel, McCloud had to assume bigger roles on offense for much of the year, and he contributed with 243 yards on 14 receptions and a touchdown.
Bell, who plays with much more physicality and grit, could easily push McCloud for what'd essentially be the No. 4 receiving spot on the depth chart behind Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings.
It'd be an important role and one Bell would likely get into easily enough if he outshines McCloud on offense during training camp.
49ers rookie Jake Moody could steal job from K Zane Gonzalez
Of all the rookies who could potentially start right away, this is the one that absolutely needs to happen.
Jake Moody was the first specialist selected in this year's NFL Draft, and the fact San Francisco used a third-round pick on him essentially gives the former Michigan place-kicker a free card toward the starting job his rookie season.
Even if it means veteran kicker Zane Gonzalez will be shown the door.
Granted, the 49ers' trade for Gonzalez earlier in the offseason wasn't exactly a lucrative one, so it's no disaster if the Niners ultimatley part ways with him in favor of the rookie.
Considering a Round 3 pick on a kicker, though, Moody better win the job with ease.
49ers rookie Cameron Latu could steal job from TE Ross Dwelley
San Francisco drafted two tight ends this April from what was widely considered an excellent and deep class for the position. The two the team nabbed? Oklahoma's Brayden Willis and Alabama's Cameron Latu.
Latu might be the one to watch, at least in terms of a pure tight end role. And while he won't challenge the All-Pro, George Kittle, at any point in the near future, Latu could easily wind up threatening one of Kittle's primary backups.
Perhaps someone like Ross Dwelley, who always seems to be on the fringes of the roster every year but still managers to hang around.
Dwelley has seen a sharp decline in his role ever since filling in for Kittle over half the season in 2020, and Latu being a third-round pick could easily translate into a No. 2 spot on the depth chart.
That would likely point to Dwelley being shown the door, while Latu would hone his craft behind one of the best in the game at his position.
49ers rookie Ji'Ayir Brown could steal job from S Tashaun Gipson
Veteran safety Tashaun Gipson's surprising play last season after being an emergency free-agent signing did two different but related things for the 49ers.
First, the player Gipson was filling in for, Jimmie Ward, was dealing with an injury. But Gipson played so well at free safety, Ward was forced to assume nickel cornerback duties instead upon his return.
Second, Gipson was the cheaper re-sign option when both he and Ward hit NFL free agency last March. With Gipson back on a one-year deal, Ward was off to the Houston Texans instead on a more lucrative contract.
That said, Gipson turns 33 years old this offseason, which is exceptionally old for a defensive back. And he even mulled over the thought of retiring recently, too.
So, not surprisingly, one of the Niners' more aggressive moves in this year's draft was to trade up for Penn State's Ji'Ayir Brown.
If Gipson starts, Brown likely begins his pro career as a versatile defensive back waiting his turn.
But Brown could just as easily force his way above Gipson on the depth chart, too.