49ers GM John Lynch isn't afraid to make some call or take some calls on draft night, so there's chance San Francisco slides out of the pick at 11 in a move up to secure a top talent or a move back to narrow their options and add draft capital. With the draft shaking out as it does here, the choice at 11 likely comes down to Texas OT Kelvin Banks or their highest rated defensive player. That choice could hinge on whether the Niners see Banks as a possible successor to Trent Williams and franchise tackle or a versatile offensive lineman who could help at multiple spots, but ultimately his best fit is at LG.
If the decision maker lean towards the latter, as some scout do, attention turns to the defensive side of the ball. History tells us that Lynch/Shanahan place a huge emphasis on DT, especially ones described as explosive, twitchy athletes who can also hold up against the run. We saw this in 2017 when Solomon Thomas became the first pick of the Lynch Shanahan era, and again in 2020 when they took Javon Kinlaw with the pick obtained from trading DeForest Buckner. Now, they are entering the 2025 draft paper thin at DT, and while the past two picks may not have played out exactly as hoped there's reason to believe the third time will be the charm.
Walter Nolen is the name that keeps buzzing around the 49ers, but never seems to stick. There have been various reports of 'maturity issues,' but the 49ers had the chance to watch Nolen in practice at Senior Bowl, spoke to him at the combine and even brought him in for a "30 visit," so whatever issues may have been present have likely been addressed. On the field, Nolen's talent is undeniable, he uses his first step quickness and strong hands to burst through offensive lines, applying pressure to QBs and shutting down run plays before they even get started. Nolen is a high motor player that can embody DC Robert Saleh's all gas no brakes mentality for this new look interior defensive line.