The San Francisco 49ers are loaded with well-known names for managers to snag. Christian McCaffrey is the cover athlete for Madden 25 this year. Deebo Samuel is an annual must-add. Brock Purdy and George Kittle also are obvious additions to any franchise squad.
However, there also are names worth adding one level deeper.
Here’s a look at two little-known names that could be worth a stash this year.
Jacob Cowing
A rookie in 2024, Jacob Cowing built a name for himself at two different schools in college. Cowing had a season in which he earned more than 1000 yards with the UTEP miners. He also had a season in which he earned more than 1000 yards with the Arizona Wildcats. Considering he showed he could succeed at two different places already, he appears to have a high chance of success in the NFL.
As a member of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, Cowing has as good of a teacher at head coach as anyone. Of course, the fly in the ointment could be the loaded roster he is forced to share with half a dozen other playmakers. However, if any of those players get hurt or otherwise get stale, Cowing is ready to take the team by storm. As such, he could be a wise late-draft stash.
Elijah Mitchell
If Cowing is somehow taken but a manager is desperate, there is another option. Look no further than Elijah Mitchell.
According to ESPN’s depth chart, McCaffrey is listed as questionable, which is an ominous way for a running back to start their season at age 28. Mitchell also is listed as questionable. However, if events shake out to where the 26-year-old back heals before McCaffrey, he could suddenly be the lead back for the 49ers.
McCaffrey also has had seasons end due to injury in the past, which gives reason to put stock in Mitchell. It is unfortunate to plan for injuries in this manner, but winning a fantasy championship requires this line of thinking when getting this deep into the rosters.
That said, if the usual suspects are already taken, it might be worth looking at other rosters. Of course, doing so would mean not getting a piece of Shanahan’s offense, which isn’t ideal, either. Put simply, either way, be ready to snag either of these players at a moment’s notice.
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