2025 Draft Grade: B+ With Robert Saleh back in the building the 49ers wasted no time retooling their defense, starting with the trenches. EDGE Mykel Williams, seemed to fly just under the hype radar for much of the pre-draft process, but the 49ers were so sold on Williams they even tried (unsuccessfully) to
trade up for him . Williams is an NFL ready run-defender, but may need some time to build his pass rush repertoire, learning from and playing opposite All-Pro Nick Bosa should help.
The 49ers kicked off Day 2 going even deeper into the defensive trenches with RD 2 pick Alfred Collins. The former Texas DT has a similar scouting report to Williams: strong against the run with raw pass rush skill that will only improve with time. After grabbing two massive players to fill the trenches with their first two picks, the 49ers snagged a couple undersized defenders at the second and third levels with their next two. LB Nick Martin will look to soften the blow of losing Dre Greenlaw to free agency, and is already turning heads in OTAs. CB Upton Stout was a bit of a surprise at pick 100, but the Senior Bowl standout consistently showed he plays bigger than his 5'8 frame and could lock down the Nickelback spot allowing Demo Lenoir to play more on the outside.
The start of Day 3 continued the run on defense, adding DT CJ West, who is smaller and quicker than Collins, West will make an immediate impact in the DT rotation.
The offensive side of the ball finally saw some love, adding deep threat WR Jordan Watkins, and a
Frank Gore approved RB in Oregon's Jordan James. James joins a crowded backfield, but could prove to be a steal when he gets he chance. S Marques Sigle rounded out the RD 5 picks, bringing needed depth to the position. The most intriguing of the 49ers three picks in RD 7 was QB Kurtis Rourke who could battle Mac Jones for the QB2 job.
Looking Ahead - 2026 Draft With OG Connor Colby the only OL drafted by the 49ers, the OL tops the needs list for the 2026 draft with that need potentially compounded by the impending free agency of RT Colton McKivitz. The good news is the 49ers seem to have few other gaps, though CB could be a trouble spot beyond Lenoir and 2024 RD 2 pick Renardo Green.