3 newly drafted 49ers who can impress by dominating rookie minicamp

The San Francisco 49ers begin their 2024 rookie minicamp on Friday. Many rookies have a chance to prove themselves and make a good first impression, but these three can really separate themselves from the rest of the pack by dominating in minicamp.

It does not seem like there are any Niners draftees who will be day-one starters. They drafted a number of players who appear to have a high upside, but they project to be future starters rather than in 2024.

Let's take a look at three players who can impress in minicamp and perhaps earn some more playing time.

1. Safety Malik Mustapha

Drafted in the fourth round, Malik Mustapha could be one of the 49ers rookies who makes an immediate impact.

With Talanoa Hufanga coming off of an ACL tear and Ji'Ayir Brown only being in his second year, Mustapha could see a good amount of time early in the year at safety and on special teams.

If Mustapha impresses in rookie minicamp and eventually in training camp and preseason games, then the Niners may be more comfortable easing Hufanga back into things.

2. Wide receiver Jacob Cowing

Taken in the fourth round, Jacob Cowing may be a bit overshadowed since the 49ers took wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round.

However, Cowing's speed could give the team a tool they do not currently have on offense.

If he can showcase that speed, then head coach Kyle Shanahan may design plays to take advantage of his skill set.

3. Offensive lineman Dominick Puni

The offensive line is one of the few areas where the 49ers can clearly improve. Dominick Puni has been projected by many as a guard, but he has experience playing tackle.

Perhaps if he can showcase his skills at tackle during minicamp, he could put some pressure on right tackle Colton McKivitz.

It is still very early and no one earns regular-season playing time in rookie minicamp, but these three players have the chance to earn playing time if they impress prior to the regular season and that all starts at rookie minicamp.

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