The San Francisco 49ers wrapped OTAs on May 31, and it was a chance to see some of their 2024 rookie class in action.
Much of the focus on OTAs was with the wide receiver room, and specifically on Brandon Aiyuk and his absence. Would he still be on the team come fall? If so, when would he get his contract extension?
Outside of Aiyuk, the other focus of the wide receiver group was how Florida rookie first-round draftee Ricky Pearsall would fare. Many fans and NFL experts alike were taken aback when the Niners spent a first-round pick on the Florida wide receiver.
Therefore, many thought Pearsall must be well worth it if the current 49ers regime, which has drafted numerous All-Pro selections since assembling in 2017, was willing to take a chance on him.
However, another rookie receiver might actually become the favorite target of quarterback Brock Purdy according to 95.7 The Game's Larry Krueger.
That rookie is fourth-round pick Jacob Cowing out of Arizona.
After OTAs, Krueger posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Cowing would "emerge as a very significant player and will become a favorite of Purdy."
Brock Purdy and Jacob Cowing have Arizona roots
Cowing finished his collegiate playing career at the University of Arizona. In his final season at Arizona, he had 90 receptions, 848 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. He's also a speedster, as he ran the 40-yard dash at the combine in 4.38 seconds.
Cowing not only finished his collegiate career at Arizona, following three seasons at UTEP, but he is also from Arizona originally. He attended Maricopa High School in Maricopa, AZ, just south of Phoenix.
Coincidentally Purdy is also from Arizona. He attended Perry High School in Gilbert, some 30 miles northeast of where Cowing went to high school.
Could it be the Arizona connection, and the camaraderie of both growing up in the Grand Canyon State that is lending itself to some early chemistry between Purdy and Cowing?
Although five days of OTAs might be premature to say how well two players work out together, Krueger's comment is still noteworthy.
Cowing still has a lot of proving to do to earn playing time on this squad that has the likes of Aiyuk, Pearsall, and of course Deebo Samuel Sr. in the wide receiver room.
The 49ers open the 2024 NFL preseason on Saturday, Aug. 10 against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. 49ers fans will have their first chance to see Cowing in action against an opponent then.
