The 2025 NFL Draft was a critical juncture for the San Francisco 49ers, a team reeling from a 6-11 season in 2024 that exposed vulnerabilities due to injuries and significant free-agency losses. With 11 draft picks, tied for the most in the NFL, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan had a golden opportunity to reshape a roster that had lost key contributors like Deebo Samuel, Javon Hargrave, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, and Charvarius Ward.
The 49ers made a bold statement by selecting defensive players with their first five picks, a strategy not seen since their famed 1981 draft that produced legends like Ronnie Lott. This defensive-heavy approach aimed to address a run defense that ranked 28th in defensive expected points added against the run and a pass rush that struggled with a 27.7% pressure rate. Below is an in-depth recap of each selection, including grades based on fit, value, and potential impact, followed by an analysis of the draft’s overall success and implications for the 49ers’ future. If you dont want to read the entire post check out our instagram for the grade.
Round 1, Pick 11: DE Mykel Williams, Georgia
Grade: A
The 49ers’ first-round selection of Mykel Williams was a home run, addressing their dire need for a bookend edge rusher to complement All-Pro Nick Bosa. At 6’5” and 267 pounds, Williams boasts an 82 7/8-inch wingspan and 34 3/8-inch arms, giving him the physical tools to dominate offensive tackles. Despite battling a high-ankle sprain in 2024, he recorded 16 run stops and a 7.6% run stop rate, per Pro Football Focus (PFF), establishing himself as one of college football’s premier edge setters. His 14 career sacks over three seasons at Georgia, including 5 in 2024, hint at untapped pass-rush potential, though his modest college production raised concerns for some analysts. At just 20 years old, Williams is a high-upside prospect who should benefit from the 49ers’ elite defensive line coach, Kris Kocurek, and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s scheme.
Williams’ fit is ideal for a 49ers defense that struggled to stop the run and generate consistent pressure without Bosa. His ability to slide inside on passing downs adds versatility, and his youth suggests a decade-long starter potential. Analysts like Scott Dochterman of The Athletic praised the pick, noting Williams’ “rare mix of bend and length” and projecting him as a safe transition to the NFL. While some, like PFF, ranked him as the No. 38 overall prospect, suggesting a slight reach at No. 11, the consensus leaned toward a B+ to A grade, with Niners Nation calculating a 2.97 GPA (just shy of a B) for the pick. Given the 49ers’ need, Williams’ physical tools, and his immediate starting potential, this selection earns an A for its long-term impact and schematic fit.
We expect Mykel Williams to be a star in this league. Check out our live reaction to the pick.
Round 2, Pick 43: DT Alfred Collins, Texas
Grade: A-
The 49ers continued their defensive line overhaul with Alfred Collins, a 6’6”, 332-pound behemoth from Texas. Collins fills a gaping hole left by the departures of Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins, bringing much-needed size to an interior defense that was gashed for 4.5 yards per carry in 2024. Over 63 college games, Collins amassed 142 tackles and 18 tackles for loss, contributing to a Texas defense that allowed just 2.9 yards per carry over the past two seasons when he was on the field. His 85.0 PFF run-defense grade underscores his ability to clog lanes, making him a Day 1 starter at nose tackle or 3-technique.
While Collins’ pass-rush production (8 career sacks) is limited, his role will primarily be to eat blocks and enable Bosa and Williams to thrive. PFF ranked him No. 74 overall, suggesting the 49ers reached slightly at No. 43, but his fit in Saleh’s scheme and immediate impact potential outweigh value concerns. NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco projected Collins to play 20-30 snaps per game on early downs, anchoring the run defense. The pick’s only knock is the lack of pass-rush upside, but in a draft class thin on elite interior linemen, Collins’ size and proven run-stopping ability earn an A-.
Round 3, Pick 75: LB Nick Martin, Oklahoma State
Grade: C+
The selection of Nick Martin, a 5’11”, 221-pound linebacker from Oklahoma State, was one of the draft’s more polarizing picks. Martin’s 140 tackles in 2023 led college football, and his 4.53-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine showcased the speed the 49ers covet at weakside linebacker. However, a knee injury (MCL sprain) limited him to seven games in 2024, raising durability concerns. His undersized frame may struggle against NFL blockers, and PFF ranked him No. 307 overall, projecting him as a late Day 3 pick.
Martin’s selection feels like a reach, especially with unaddressed needs at offensive line and cornerback. The 49ers lost Dre Greenlaw to free agency, leaving Fred Warner as the only established linebacker, but healthier, more versatile options like Jihaad Campbell or Smael Mondon Jr. were available. Martin’s speed and tackling prowess could make him a special teams contributor or a competitor for Dee Winters’ role, but his immediate impact is uncertain. Mel Kiper liked Martin’s upside, noting his fit as a “fun player” in Saleh’s aggressive scheme, but questioned the value. Trust in Saleh’s linebacker development (e.g., Warner, Greenlaw) mitigates some risk, but this pick earns a C+ for its questionable value and injury concerns.
Round 3, Pick 100: CB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky
Grade: C
Upton Stout, a 5’8”, 181-pound cornerback, was another head-scratcher in the third round. His quick hips, tackling tenacity, and blitzing ability draw comparisons to former 49ers nickel backs K’Waun Williams and D.J. Reed, making him a candidate for the slot role. Stout’s 90.0 PFF run-defense grade and 78.3 coverage grade in 2024 highlight his versatility, but his diminutive size limits him to nickel duties, and he was projected as a Day 3 pick by most analysts. PFF and Pro Football Network criticized the pick as a reach, with other nickel options like Jordan Hancock offering better size and versatility.
The 49ers needed secondary help after losing Hufanga and Ward, but Stout’s selection over higher-ranked cornerbacks or offensive linemen feels like a misstep. Maiocco projected Stout to play two-thirds of defensive snaps in nickel packages, allowing Deommodore Lenoir to stay outside, but his size and inexperience may delay his impact. The pick’s saving grace is Stout’s feistiness and fit in Saleh’s scheme, but its value and timing earn a C.
Round 4, Pick 113: DT C.J. West, Indiana
Grade: B+
C.J. West, a 6’2”, 315-pound defensive tackle, was a steal in the fourth round. With 52 stops at or behind the line of scrimmage since 2021—the most among FBS defensive tackles—West is a disruptive force. His 88.1 PFF run-defense grade and 4.95-second 40-yard dash in 2024 highlight his athleticism and effectiveness. PFF ranked him No. 72 overall, making his selection at No. 113 excellent value. West’s quick hands and high motor make him a rotational player with starter potential alongside Collins, addressing the 49ers’ need for depth and run-stopping prowess.
Analysts like 49ers Webzone praised West’s fit, comparing him to former 49er D.J. Jones and noting his potential to join Collins in the starting lineup. This pick aligns with the 49ers’ strategy of fortifying the trenches, earning a B+ for its value, fit, and immediate contribution potential.
Round 4, Pick 138: WR Jordan Watkins, Ole Miss
Grade: B
The 49ers finally addressed offense with Jordan Watkins, a 5’11”, 184-pound slot receiver from Ole Miss. Watkins’ 4.37-second 40-yard dash and five catches of 60+ yards in 2024—the only FBS receiver to achieve this—showcase his deep-threat ability. His 2,096 career receiving yards and 142 receptions rank among Ole Miss’ all-time greats, and his smoothness projects well in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, especially after Samuel’s departure and Brandon Aiyuk’s ACL recovery. Kiper ranked Watkins No. 27 among receivers, suggesting a slight reach, but his speed and fit earn a B.
Watkins’ smaller frame may struggle against physical corners, but his special teams value (8.1 yards per punt return) and schematic fit make him a roster candidate. This pick balances need and talent, though the 49ers’ delay in addressing offense slightly tempers its grade.
Round 5, Pick 147: RB Jordan James, Oregon
Grade: A-
Jordan James, a 5’10”, 208-pound running back, was a fifth-round gem. His 1,267 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024, plus a 4.55-second 40-yard dash, highlight his explosiveness. James’ 31 career rushing touchdowns tie for fifth in Oregon history, and his receiving and pass-protection skills fit Shanahan’s system. Endorsed by Frank Gore and RB coach Bobby Turner, James could compete for the backup role behind Christian McCaffrey, especially after Jordan Mason’s departure. PFF’s 95.7 rushing grade over two seasons ranked second nationally, making this a steal at No. 147.
The deep running back class pushed James down, but his value, versatility, and immediate impact potential earn an A-. Rob Rang of FOX Sports called James his favorite 49ers pick, citing his vision and contact balance.
Round 5, Pick 160: S Marques Sigle, Kansas State
Grade: B
Marques Sigle, a 5’11”, 190-pound safety, adds depth to a secondary thinned by Hufanga’s exit. With 174 tackles, 26 passes defended, and 7 interceptions across 50 games, Sigle is a reliable playmaker. His 4.37-second 40-yard dash and 2024 team captaincy at Kansas State highlight his athleticism and leadership. Sigle’s versatility to play free safety, strong safety, nickel, or dime roles makes him a developmental gem. While not a starter, his ball skills and experience address a need, earning a B for value and upside.
Round 7, Pick 227: QB Kurtis Rourke, Indiana
Grade: B+
Kurtis Rourke, a 6’5”, 223-pound quarterback, is a high-reward flier in the seventh round. Despite a 2024 ACL injury, Rourke set Indiana’s single-season record with 29 passing touchdowns and completed 69.4% of his passes. His 10,692 career passing yards and 79 touchdowns suggest starter potential, though he may redshirt on the NFI list. Kiper praised Rourke’s decision-making, projecting him as a roster candidate behind Brock Purdy. This low-risk pick earns a B+ for its potential.
Round 7, Pick 249: OL Connor Colby, Iowa
Grade: A
Connor Colby, a 6’6”, 309-pound guard, is a potential steal. With 50 starts at Iowa, mostly at right guard, Colby is scheme-ready for the 49ers’ outside zone system, allowing just two sacks in 820 snaps in 2024. Many analysts gave him third- or fourth-round grades, making his selection at No. 249 a coup. His short arms may limit him to guard or center, but his experience and run-blocking prowess make him a roster lock. The 49ers’ delay in addressing the offensive line tempers enthusiasm, but Colby’s value earns an A.
Round 7, Pick 252: WR Junior Bergen, Montana
Grade: B-
Junior Bergen, a 5’11”, 184-pound wide receiver, adds special teams dynamism. His 4.44-second 40-yard dash and FCS-record eight punt return touchdowns highlight his explosiveness. Bergen’s slot receiver potential and return ability address depth needs, but his FCS competition and smaller frame limit his ceiling. This pick earns a B- for its low risk and special teams upside.
Overall Draft Grade: B
The 49ers’ 2025 draft class is a study in contrasts. The early defensive focus—Williams, Collins, and West—addressed a porous run defense and thin defensive line, potentially forming a formidable front alongside Bosa. James and Colby were steals, offering immediate depth and future starters. However, reaches like Martin and Stout, combined with the late offensive line address, drew criticism. Kiper gave a B, praising the defensive haul but questioning value, while PFF’s D grade cited poor alignment with their big board. Fan sentiment on X was mixed, with some praising the defensive reload and others decrying the offensive neglect. Check out our reaction on youtube.
If Williams becomes a star opposite Bosa and the defensive line gels, this class could anchor a 49ers resurgence. The offensive picks, particularly James and Watkins, provide depth for a unit reliant on McCaffrey’s health and Aiyuk’s recovery. For now, the draft earns a B for balancing immediate needs with long-term potential, though its success hinges on coaching and player development. Let us know your thoughts and opinions on the forum draft page.