The 49ers Did it Again

49ers General Manager (GM) John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan found another superstar in the late rounds of the NFL Draft. The 49ers are notorious for finding superstars in the later rounds of the draft. Previously taking players like George Kittle, Fred Warner, and Brock Purdy. In the 4th round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the 49ers might have found another superstar. 

With the 135th overall pick the 49ers selected wide receiver Jacob Cowing out of the University of Arizona. Cowing was a five-year college player, beginning his career at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). In Cowings three years at UTEP he had 2,595 yards receiving, leading the team during that time span. 

After the 2021 season, Cowing wanted to go to a more competitive college in a well-known conference. He transferred to Arizona. At the time, Arizona was in the now extinct PAC 12. Cowing spent two years at Arizona before declaring for the draft. In those two years he caught 175 passes for 1882 yards, as well as a team high 20 touchdown receptions. Cowing was a big part in getting Arizona's football program back on the map, getting them as high as 18th ranked in the country in 2023. 

Not many teams wanted to take a chance on the undersized 5th year senior wide receiver. Cowing came into the draft at 5’8 and 168 lbs. Not many thought his game would transfer when going up against NFL sized defensive backs, but many undersized receivers are starting to succeed in today's NFL. For example, Eagles wide receiver Devonta Smith and Texans wide receiver Tank Dell, Shanahan saw similarities. 

When Shanahan was asked about Cowing’s punt return ability after Sunday’s preseason game he said, “We drafted him hoping he could step in and do that for us, tonight was a step in the right direction.” This is very good news for the 49ers, as they are desperate for a punt returner after Ray-Ray Mccloud left for the Falcons this past offseason. 

Cowing missed the 49ers first preseason game against the Titans due to an injury he suffered in training camp. Cowing had something to prove on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints in his first game at Levi's Stadium. Against the Saints Cowing caught 4 passes for 51 yards, as well as 19 rushing yards. Cowing was so good in the first half, Kyle Shanahan was forced to bench him in the second half to avoid injury. This suggests Cowing will be a big part of this offense in 2024. Cowing did most of his work with 49ers backup quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who targeted Cowing five times. 

With the unknown situation of superstar receiver Bradnon Aiyuk, and 49ers first round pick Ricky Pearsall dealing with an injury, Cowing will get plenty of snaps going forward. He already looks like one of Shanahan's favorites in the deep passing game. Dobbs found Cowing for a 38-yard pass on the 49ers touchdown drive right before halftime.

When Cowing was asked about that 38-yard catch he said, “That's what I've been doing for a long time now. Being able to display my speed a little bit and also my route ability.” 

Watch out for #83 this season, because the 49ers may have just got themselves yet another late round draft steal.