NFL re-drafts have become a popular exercise during the offseason break between OTAs and training camp. For the San Francisco 49ers, there is often debate, with analysts frequently questioning whether the team reached for certain players in recent NFL Draft classes.
A recent re-draft from CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles paints a more favorable picture of San Francisco's 2024 class, with two 49ers players coming off the board significantly earlier than they originally did.
Ricky Pearsall's stock rises despite injury setbacks
The first name may surprise some fans: wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. The 49ers originally selected him with the No. 31 overall pick, but in this re-draft, Pereles has him going eight spots earlier to the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 23.
"Pearsall has had truly rotten injury luck, including getting shot in the chest shortly before his rookie season," Pereles explained. "In this hypothetical scenario, he's in Jacksonville, and that episode -- and maybe the other injuries since -- never happen."
Hamstring and PCL injuries slowed Pearsall's development in 2025. He finished the season with 36 receptions for 528 yards and no touchdowns across nine games.
"When he's been on the field, Pearsall has flashed plenty of 'wow' moments and produced some big games," Pereles added.
Dominick Puni projected as a first-round pick
The second 49ers player to see his stock rise is offensive lineman Dominick Puni, who was originally selected No. 86 overall. In the re-draft, he jumps into the first round at No. 27 overall to the Arizona Cardinals.
"The Cardinals took Verse at No. 4 overall, so there's still a hole at wide receiver on this depth chart," Pereles wrote. "Unfortunately, there's not a player who really fits this draft slot. Xavier Worthy would be the closest thing to it, but I'd rather go with Puni, who has been a stalwart ever since arriving in San Francisco. The Cardinals get a much-needed boost up front."
49ers pivot at No. 31 overall in re-draft scenario
With Pearsall off the board at No. 31, the 49ers shift direction and select safety Evan Williams, who was originally taken by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round at No. 111 overall, representing a significant leap.
"Running plays that result in short gains sound boring," Pereles noted. "Not when it's Evan Williams causing them to be short gains. The Green Bay safety comes screaming down toward the line of scrimmage unlike any other player at his position, and watching it from a defensive point of view is thrilling. Plus, in San Francisco, Fred Warner would help cover up some of Williams' inconsistencies as a coverage player. Our first fourth-round pick in this re-draft!"
Mentioned in this article: Ricky Pearsall, Dominick Puni, Fred Warner
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