Which 49ers players improved or worsened their case during Week 2 of the preseason?
The San Francisco 49ers got their first win of the preseason, defeating the New Orleans Saints 16-10 at Levi’s Stadium on Sunday evening.
Brock Purdy made his preseason debut, but it was anything other than ideal, as the quarterback completed just two passes on six attempts, while failing to move the ball with the backup skill position players over three drives.
But, there was still a ton of positives from the game, as well as some players trending down, so let’s get into our stock up, stock down for the week.
Stock Up
WR Jacob Cowing
One of my standouts from the game, it’s evident that wideout Jacob Cowing is one of the biggest risers from Week 2 of the preseason.
A fifth-round rookie from Arizona, Cowing had been one of the more intriguing selections by the 49ers in the 2024 NFL Draft, as he had great athletic ability, but a smaller frame (5’9, 171 pounds), which went away from San Francisco’s norm at receiver.
But, on Sunday, Cowing showed some of the upside that led the 49ers to take him in the draft, leading the team with four catches for 51 yards, which included a sweet 38-yard catch on a slot fade that could’ve been a touchdown had the ball been placed slightly ahead of him.
On special teams, Cowing caught the eye of head coach Kyle Shanahan as a returner, providing a glimpse of where he could impact the team as a rookie.
Now, with the 49ers depth at receiver, it’s unclear how much of a role Cowing will see the field on offense in 2024. But, if he can be impactful as a special-teamer and continue to develop, there’s some opportunity for him.
Nonetheless, the stock is definitely trending up for Cowing after Week 2.
OL Jarrett Kingston
A lot of the talk has been around Dominick Puni, and rightfully so, as the 49ers rookie guard continues to look the part and it’s becoming increasingly likely that he starts Week 1.
But, fellow rookie offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston looked solid in Week 2, primarily working at left guard with the second-team offense line.
Kingston was moved around in training camp prior to the preseason, seeing time at right tackle, which is where he played in college, as well as guard.
Given his measurables, guard seems like a more likely home for him at the next level, and he’s starting to come into himself after some growing moments during camp.
Now, it’s unclear whether he’ll be able to take a roster spot along the offensive line, as the 49ers may carry two backup tackles, complicating matters.
But, it was revealed that offensive lineman Jon Feliciano will miss around the first half of the season after undergoing knee surgery, which opens up an opportunity on the interior that Kingston could fill.
DL Jonathan Garvin
There were several defensive players who impressed in Week 2, such as Renardo Green, Ji’Ayir Brown, and Curtis Robinson, who I highlighted in my takeaways postgame.
But, one player whose stock continues to climb is defensive lineman Jonathan Garvin, whom the 49ers signed right before the preseason to serve as depth after a few injuries.
Working at defensive end with the second and third-team defense primarily, I thought the four-year NFL veteran looked solid in his role during Week 2, making a few plays in the backfield against the backups.
It feels that eight players are locked into roster spots along the defensive line, but there are still openings, and Garvin is quietly playing himself into staying with the 49ers, be it on the practice squad or even as a surprise 53-man roster selection.
He’s only 25 years old and spent the last three years with the Packers after being selected in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Ahead of the final preseason week, he’s trending up along the edge for the 49ers.
Stock down
WR Trent Taylor
There has been a lot of buzz around veteran slot receiver Trent Taylor, who carved out a fairly prominent role during training camp, working in a ton with the first and second-team offense out of the slot and getting good volume.
Additionally, he was one of the team’s top returners in the rotation, presenting a role for the veteran on special teams as well.
On Sunday, though, Taylor struggled in several ways, decreasing his stock in a tough receiver room.
He didn’t separate well on routes, while failing to come down with a catchable pass, showing some of his limitations out the slot, while a player like Jacob Cowing shined.
Overall, while he has looked fine with the backups in practice at times, it doesn’t seem like there’s much value he can bring to the team currently over other options.
TE Cameron Latu
I initially questioned this selection because Latu’s stock has been dropping since he joined the 49ers.
But, with the 49ers usually carrying four tight ends, he still is projected to make the roster as the final player at the position.
After struggling and redshirting his rookie season, there was hope that Latu could improve and grow into that No. 2 tight end role in 2024.
But, the issues have continued, as Latu isn’t a refined route runner, doesn’t have great athleticism, and still has issues with his hands.
Sunday’s reps weren’t much better and there has to be a serious question about whether the 49ers should cut their losses after just one offseason with the 2023 third-round pick.
He’ll get another preseason game to boost his stock, but Latu continues to trend down in a room full of opportunity.