Originally posted by dj43:If that was the plan why did they restructure Deebo?
Originally posted by DaleGribble:
Originally posted by dj43:The decision to move on from Aiyuk should've been made when they selected Pearsall.
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Though the FO never mentioned it, that was certainly in play at the time of the draft. Multiple sources said the BA situation was different than Deebo or Kittle's. It was clear Aiyuk was willing to leave if he could find a place he liked, and ample suitors were interested. Hence, they drafted a guy who was a precise route runner similar to Aiyuk. Of course, we know of his injury problems during TC and missed critical time to learn the system, none of which could have been predicted. (I was hoping for an OL but in reviewing the choices available against the team OL needs, I believe Piersall was the best value in that slot...but that is a conversation long gone.)
The snow in Buffalo negated his quickness in route running and made the lack of targets understandable. Last night was a game for the strong, vertical players, not quick, shifty ones. Buffalo had multiple options in that type of player, the 49ers did not.
We will never know but I believe the plan was to move on from Deebo with Piersall and BA being the top WRs. This season with opponents playing a lot of man, Deebo's inability to beat coverage has suggested that plan may prove to be the best. Time will tell.
Pearsall may end up being a fine player but he added nowhere near the value that multiple other players at more pressing positions would have to this team this year.