5 biggest takeaways from 49ers' efforts in 2024 NFL Draft
Kyle Shanahan and Brandon Staley had their fingerprints all over the Niners' 2024 NFL Draft class.
By Peter Panacy
Takeaway No. 4: Kyle Shanahan is back to loving speed
When Kyle Shanahan was named head coach in 2017, one of the elements he wanted to infuse into San Francisco's offense was speed.
Entering 2024, it seems as if he's going back to that strategy. Just check out the 40-yard times from his offensive prospects at the NFL Combine:
- WR Ricky Pearsall: 4.41 seconds
- OL Dominick Puni: 5.35 seconds
- RB Isaac Guerendo: 4.33 seconds
- WR Jacob Cowing: 4.38 seconds
- OL Jarrett Kingston: 5.02 seconds
Pearsall and Cowing both know how to create separation, the former using route-running skills. But having that breakaway speed, particularly from Guerendo and Cowing, signals a shift back to Shanahan's original philosophy.
Puni's 4.4-second 10-yard shuttle time also helped convince Shanahan to draft him.
Each of those offensive weapons likely has to wait a bit to make an impact, but it's clear Shanahan put a pretty big emphasis on speed in this year's draft.