The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, and the San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal event in their quest for a return to championship contention. With the eleventh overall pick, the Niners find themselves in a crucial position to address significant roster needs following a tumultuous offseason.
After coming agonizingly close to winning Super Bowl LVIII in February 2024, where they lost in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs, the 49ers faced a year filled with challenges. The team had high hopes after Jake Moody's field goal put them ahead, but a series of injuries and departures have left them in a precarious situation as they prepare for the draft.
General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan are at a crossroads. The team finished with a disappointing 6-11 record last season, their worst since 2018, which has led to significant changes in the coaching staff and roster. The most notable offseason addition has been defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who returns to the team after a stint with the New York Jets. Saleh's task will be to stabilize a defense that has seen the departure of key players, including cornerback Charvarius Ward, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, and linebackers Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw.
Ward's departure was particularly heartbreaking, as he and his partner endured the tragic loss of their newborn child during the season. He signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts, seeking a fresh start. Meanwhile, Hargrave, who suffered a torn tricep early last season, has moved on to Minnesota, leaving the 49ers with a glaring hole in their defensive line.
As the draft approaches, the 49ers are keenly aware of their needs. The team must prioritize bolstering their cornerback and defensive line positions, especially after losing three-quarters of their starting defensive front. With the likes of Jordan Elliott and Kevin Givens as their current top tackles, the urgency to find new talent is evident.
In addition to defensive needs, the 49ers also require depth on the offensive line. With Trent Williams approaching 37 years old, securing a future left tackle is becoming increasingly important. The team has already lost Jaylon Moore to the Kansas City Chiefs, further complicating their offensive strategy.
As they prepare for the draft, the 49ers hold a total of 11 picks across the seven rounds, despite forfeiting their original fifth-round selection due to an accounting error. Their draft picks include:
- Round 1: 11th overall
- Round 2: 43rd overall
- Round 3: 75th overall
- Round 3: 100th overall (compensatory pick)
- Round 4: 113th overall
- Round 4: 138th overall (compensatory pick)
- Round 5: 147th overall (from Saints via Commanders)
- Round 5: 160th overall (from Vikings)
- Round 7: 227th overall
- Round 7: 249th overall (compensatory pick)
- Round 7: 252nd overall (compensatory pick)
With their first-round pick, the 49ers are expected to target cornerbacks and defensive linemen. One potential candidate is Will Johnson from Michigan, a top-tier cornerback who could significantly enhance their secondary. Another name that has emerged is Mykel Williams from Georgia, an edge rusher who could provide much-needed support to Nick Bosa, who faced constant double and triple teams last season.
In a recent mock draft by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, a trade scenario was proposed where the 49ers would swap their 11th pick with the Miami Dolphins for the 13th pick and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. Phillips, who has had a tumultuous injury history, could provide a valuable asset if he can return to form. However, the 49ers must weigh the risks associated with his past injuries against the potential upside of adding a player of his caliber.
As the draft nears, speculation continues to swirl around the 49ers' strategy. Will they stick to their original pick or look to trade down for additional assets? The decision-making process is complicated by the need to balance immediate roster improvements with long-term planning, especially as they look to secure Brock Purdy's extension in the near future.
Free agency has also seen the 49ers make some calculated moves, including signing wide receiver DeMarcus Robinson and tight end Luke Farrell. Robinson, who inked a two-year, $9.5 million deal, adds depth to a receiving corps that struggled with injuries last season. Farrell's three-year, $20.5 million contract suggests he will play a significant role in the blocking game, allowing George Kittle to focus on receiving duties.
The upcoming draft will be crucial for the 49ers as they look to retool their roster and return to playoff contention. With their sights set on addressing critical needs and adding depth, the decisions made in Green Bay could shape the franchise's future for years to come.
As the clock ticks down to the draft, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the 49ers navigate this pivotal moment in their franchise history. Whether they take a bold step forward or play it safe remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher for a team eager to reclaim its former glory.
