49ers news: Which rookie needs a number change the most?

The San Francisco 49ers figure to have several rookies contribute in Year 1 in different capacities. First-round pick Ricky Pearsall might not be needed as much in the early going now that Brandon Aiyuk has signed his extension. Second-rounder Renardo Green can be eased in if Isaac Yiadom can get back up to speed and stay healthy.

But after those two, the next couple of picks should see the field early and often. Third-rounder Dominick Puni has earned the starting right guard position.

The three fourth-rounders will all make a living on special teams. Isaac Guerendo, health provided, should get the first crack at kick returner. Jaco Cowing is the punt returner, and if Guerendo isn’t ready in Week 1, he’ll likely return kicks, too.

Malik Mustapha may need more seasoning before he steps on the field defensively. Talanoa Hufanga’s status for Week 1 remains up in the air, but Kyle Shanahan said George Odum would have started in the preseason finale over Mustapha.

Optics. That’s what we’re here to talk about today—the aesthetic of each rookie. As a rookie on the 49ers, you don’t have your pick of the litter when it comes to numbers. The team has retired 8, 12, 16, 34, 37, 42, 70, 73, 70, 80, and 87. And even with Frank Gore or Patrick Willis’s blessing, you’re not wearing 21 or 52.

That makes it difficult for players like Mustapha, who was given a hideous number. The rookie out of Wake Forest is already contemplating a change:

The answer, without hesitation, is yes.

Green, who wears 31, could swap out jerseys himself. A speedy slot receiver does not wear 83. Not in 2024. Guerendo’s stock will soar the second he moves on from 49. So, should multiple rookies change their number?

Yes.

The available numbers are 0, 6, 38, 40, 47, 50, 61, 62, 69, 75, 81, 84, and 91. Since we’re talking about skill players and aesthetically pleasing numbers, 0 and 6 are the main attractions.

Cowing wore No. 6 in college before transferring to the University of Arizona. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make that change before Week 1. Somebody needs to lean into 0. Mustapha might be the popular answer, but I wouldn’t mind Guerendo wearing it.

Mustapha doesn’t have many options, as 38 is better, but that’s a low bar to clear. Some of the better numbers belong to players on the practice squad.

If you were in charge, what changes to jersey numbers would you make?