Why Riddick believes rookie 49ers receivers could replace Deebo originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
The 49ers possess arguably the most potent offensive skill-position player group in the NFL, but that didn’t stop San Francisco from adding a pair of wide receivers in the 2024 draft.
But could those selections have been made in preparation for a future that doesn’t include one of the 49ers’ star wide receiver duo of Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk? ESPN’s Louis Riddick certainly believes so.
During a segment on “NFL Live,” Riddick explained that San Francisco’s decision to select Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall at No. 31 overall was made with a long-term outlook in mind from the 49ers’ brain trust.
“I think Ricky Pearsall is a three-position player, he really is a four-position player,” Riddick explained. “He can play both outside spots, he can play the slot, he can lineup in the backfield and run routes from there. Who does that? Who is the utility guy like that for San Francisco? That’s Deebo’s role.
“You have to think that [49ers general manager] John Lynch was thinking ahead. [Coach] Kyle Shanahan was thinking ahead. We have to have a guy who can fill those multiple positions.”
Pearsall isn’t the only San Francisco rookie that has caught Riddick’s attention, as fourth-round selection Jacob Cowing earned immense praise from the former NFL executive.
