Fantasy Football Player Notes

Deebo Samuel ranked as the WR12 overall despite playing 15 games. Notably, he scored the second-most total touchdowns (12) with his dual role as a rusher and receiver. Samuel also led all wide receivers in total red-zone touches. However, his injury history raises concerns due to his physical playing style. Additionally, there's potential for TD regression given his performance exceeded expectations in the previous season, ranking as WR26 in expected points per game (10.9). Moreover, relying on rushing production can be unpredictable year-to-year, and the emergence of Brandon Aiyuk further complicates Samuel's outlook as he enters a contract year. If Aiyuk is moved, hard to see Samuel going outside the top-2 rounds of fantasy drafts. And Samuel has reportedly been "the" guy at 49ers camp with Aiyuk not practicing.

Brandon Aiyuk emerged as the primary receiver for the 49ers in 2023, accumulating nearly 1,500 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns in 19 games. Despite a modest role in the red zone, he commanded a 24% target share and ranked 15th in air yards share. Aiyuk's efficiency was notable, finishing as a top-5 performer in yards per route run. Entering a contract year at age 26, he may still have untapped potential after back-to-back top-15 WR finishes in half-PPR formats. As for what team Aiyuk will be playing for in 2024? He is coming back to the Bay Area. After a long contract dispute Aiyuk signed a four-year deal worth $120 million.

Ricky Pearsall showcased his talent at Arizona State and Florida, culminating in a 25% dominator rating in his final college season with 963 receiving yards. At the NFL Combine, he impressed with a 4.41-second 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical, highlighting his athleticism. Drafted in the first round, Pearsall's polished route-running and reliable hands make him NFL-ready, though his ceiling may be capped by the depth of his team's receiving corps, particularly if teammates like Samuel and Aiyuk maintain significant roles in the offense.

Jacob Cowing, though lacking in size at under 5-foot-9 and 168 pounds, compensates with exceptional speed, agility, and precise route-running, making him a constant threat on the field. With a career dominator rating of 32%, Cowing's dominance at Arizona and UTEP is undeniable, highlighted by elite single-season marks of 42% and 41% in 2020 and 2021 respectively. Despite concerns about his size, his senior year showcased his ability to stretch the field and create after the catch, amassing 89 receptions for 868 yards and 13 touchdowns. While a Senior Bowl injury may have dampened his stock, Cowing's K.J. Hamler-esque profile and sub-4.4 speed make him an intriguing prospect, particularly in a Kyle Shanahan-style offense like the one in San Francisco, where undersized receivers have thrived before.

The 49ers also re-signed Jauan Jennings to an extension to his rookie contract through the 2025 season. The deal is worth a guaranteed $10.5 million and is comparable to the extension Rashod Bateman received with the Ravens. Jennings had moments in 2024, most notably in his single spot start back in Week 7 against the Vikings with Deebo Samuel inactive. Jennings was targeted a team-high 9 times (31% Target share) and caught 5 passes for 54 yards. He filled in admirably for Samuel. And he performed well in the 49ers' postseason run. Jennings caught 5 of 6 targets for 61 yards in the divisional round versus Green Bay. In the Super Bowl, Jennings was making his case for MVP with 4 catches for 42 yards and 1 TD in addition to a passing TD to Christian McCaffrey. If the team trades Samuel, Jennings is an underrated player who could seize a larger role in the 49ers offense.