Who Should I Start? Jacob Cowing or Nick Nash

Friday, June 13, 12:14 PM

The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that one of the themes among coaches and players this spring was that nobody took better advantage of the offseason than San Francisco 49ers second-year wide receiver Jacob Cowing. The 24-year-old was selected 135th overall (fourth round) last year but had a minimal role, catching just four passes for 80 yards in 15 games (zero starts). However, he trained with quarterback Brock Purdy and receiver Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) early in the offseason and had a prominent role during spring practices. It helped that Pearsall, Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Jauan Jennings (calf) were sidelined, but it's notable nonetheless. Cowing has great speed and is doing a better job of maintaining it throughout his cuts and breaks. He's good with the ball in his hands and could be a nice little gadget player in 2025, although it's unlikely to amount to much fantasy value.

Wednesday, April 30, 1:11 PM

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Nick Nash, who signed as an undrafted free agent out of San Jose State, could find himself in the team's receiver rotation in 2025 after leading all FBS pass-catchers in 2024 in catches (104), touchdowns (16) and receiving yards (1,382). The converted quarterback played half of his 2,169 collegiate snaps under center, giving him a unique perspective at the receiver position. The 6-foot-2, 200-pounder gives QBs a wide catch radius, but for now, excelling on special teams could be his ticket to the main roster. He's old for a rookie at 26 years old and is relatively new to the receiver position, too, so at best, Nash will probably work in four- or five-receiver sets for the Falcons behind Drake London, Ray-Ray McCloud III and Darnell Mooney. He'll have to make up for his lack of long speed with his size and precise route-running.