A take a look at the 49ers’ 2025 draft class:
First spherical, No. 11 general: Mykel Williams, defensive finish, Georgia, 6-5, 267
Credentials: Appeared in 40 video games over three seasons and completed his profession with 67 tackles, 21 1/2 tackles for losses, 14 sacks, three compelled fumbles and one fumble restoration. A second-team All-Southeastern Convention choice. Sustained an excessive ankle sprain in first week of the season however missed simply two video games and had a productive season in 2024. A two-year starter, listed as defensive finish however performed throughout within the entrance seven and at the same time as a standup linebacker.
How he matches: Have the 49ers lastly discovered the bookend cross rusher for Nick Bosa they’ve been in search of ever since Dee Ford started to interrupt down within the 2019 season? That spot belonged to Leonard Floyd, who was launched after an 8 1/2 sack season wherein he by no means appeared snug as a hand-in-the-ground cross rusher. They’ve cycled by Samson Ebukam, Arden Key, Charles Omenihu and Clelin Ferrell lately. Contemplating the 49ers cross rush final season, something lower than double-digit sacks can be a disappointment. The 49ers like his place versatility, however Williams sounds as if he expects a heavy dose on the sting of their Large 9 scheme.
Williams says: “I’m excited to play in coach (Robert) Saleh’s scheme. He lets the front do what the front does, which is rush, set edges and stop the run. To play under coach Saleh and great players like Nick Bosa, I can’t wait. I have so many questions.”
Quotable: “He’s hard to block in the run game and the pass game. Hard to block for tackles, hard to block for guards. Half the guys that come out in college football, the majority seem like they’re 24, 25. We’ve got a 20-year-old that looks like a man on tape.” — 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan
Second spherical, No. 43 general: Alfred Collins, defensive deal with, Texas, 6-5, 332
Credentials: Performed in 64 video games with 28 begins from 2020-24 after being a five-star recruit out of Bastrop, Texas. Had 142 profession tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 7 1/2 sacks and two compelled fumbles. Lengthy-armed and athletic sufficient to bat down seven passes as a senior. Adept as a run-stuffer on the nostril within the center. Had two of his greatest video games within the Faculty Soccer Playoff, recording 10 tackles.
How he matches: With the departures of Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins, each launched, getting an inside presence to clog the run is a should. He joins Jordan Elliott, Kevin Givens and Evan Anderson at a place the place the 49ers had been exceedingly skinny. As a lot because the 49ers need a greater cross rush, stopping the run is Job 1 after they collapsed in that space down the stretch. Collins and first-round choose Mykel Williams will in idea improve that space instantly.
Collins says: “They’re taking a chance on me. It’s not going to be a mistake. What I bring is a competitive mindset, I’m ready to learn from those who have done it before me. I’m ready to come in and do whatever I can to win games and I’m going to be a good teammate.”
Quotable: “We like the fact that in the pass game, he can win quickly, and we think he can develop some skills in the pass rush. He’s really adept at batting balls down. I think he affects the quarterback in a big way but can be a real presence in the run game,” — 49ers GM John Lynch
Third spherical, No. 75 general: Nick Martin, linebacker, Oklahoma State, 6-0, 221
Credentials: Began 35 video games over 4 seasons with Oklahoma State and was described in a single analysis as a “heat-seeking missile” for his aggressive fashion of play. Had a 4.53 time within the 40-yard sprint. Missed seven video games in 2024 with an MCL tear that didn’t require surgical procedure. Had a breakout season in 2023 with 140 tackles, one of many highest totals in class historical past, together with 16 tackles for loss, 16 sacks, two passes defensed and two interceptions in incomes All-Huge 12 honors.
How he matches: A digital clone bodily of the departed Dre Greenlaw, proper all the way down to the purpose to being overaggressive at instances. Ideally, he strikes previous each Dee Winters and Jalen Graham as a step-in-and-start participant alongside center linebacker Fred Warner. If Martin doesn’t grow to be an each down starter straight away, his velocity and athleticism will be utilized on particular groups by new coordinator Brant Boyer.
Martin says: “I grew up watching the draft. Since I was 5, I wanted to be in the NFL and be the best at it. Being here is surreal. I’m excited to get to work.”
Quotable: “I think Dre is one of the best run and hit linebackers that I’ve ever been around and probably the best in the league at it. And when we looked at the college tape, we felt this was the guy who was the best in college at that way.” — 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan
Jordan Watkins of Ole Miss reaches for a cross throughout his Professional Day exercise in preparation for the NFL Draft. Getty Pictures
Third spherical, No. 100 general: Upton Stout, cornerback, Western Kentucky, 5-8, 181
How he matches: If it really works out, Stout can step in because the slot nook and provides the 49ers the chance to go away Deommodore Lenoir as an out of doors nook together with Renardo Inexperienced versus enjoying exterior on some downs and inside on others.
Stout says: In highschool all people was saying I used to be extra of a security or a working again, however I really feel like that was simply gas to the fireplace and I actually simply found out find out how to use my dimension to my benefit. Utilizing my athleticism and simply my eager potential to only get after it.”
Quotable: “We’re going to still play it out. I think (DB Deommodore Lenoir) is great inside, I think he’s great outside. We probably see Upton definitely as an inside player.” — 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan
Spherical 4, No. 113 general: C.J. West, defensive deal with, Indiana, 6-1, 316
Credentials: Veteran of 52 faculty video games with 4 seasons at Kent State and his last 12 months at Indiana the place he was an honorable point out all-Huge Ten choice. Had 7 1/2 tackles for losses with the Hoosiers with a compelled fumble two sacks and cross breakup. Transferred for senior 12 months particularly to spice up his draft inventory for a shot at an NFL profession. Performed rugby, ran observe and ran cross nation whereas rising up.
How he matches: A penetrating inside deal with, West offers a pleasant distinction to Alfred Collins, the 6-foot-5 deal with and second-round choose and is at his greatest lining up between the middle and guard. It offers the 49ers greater than 645 kilos of muscle on the inside as comparatively cheap and youthful replacements for Hargrave and Maliek Collins, each of whom had been launched. Nonetheless on the roster are Elliott, Anderson and Givens.
West says: “My bread and butter is at the one technique. I just abuse centers, punch ‘em in the face, be as violent as possible, just create havoc down there in the middle.”
Quotable: “I had the chance to watch him live this year for Indiana against Ohio State and he played well, but more so his film and his body of work stood out,” GM John Lynch
Fourth spherical, No. 138 general: Jordan Watkins, broad receiver, Mississippi, 5-11, 196
Credentials: Proprietor of a 4.37 time within the 40-yard sprint time, Watkins averaged 18.5 yards per reception and scored 9 touchdowns at Ole Miss on 49 receptions. Performed three seasons for the Rebels after enjoying two years in his hometown at Louisville. Has expertise, having performed 58 faculty video games with185 receptions for two,582 yards and 18 touchdowns.
How he matches: With the departure of Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk probably not being prepared to begin the season after a torn ACL, it wasn’t a shock when the 49ers’ first offensive choice was a large receiver. He’ll be a part of a place group that can be led by veteran Jauan Jennings and second-year participant Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing. Additionally elements as a possible return specialist for punts and kickoffs.
Watkins says: “The way coach Shanahan does things, they like to get down and dirty with their receivers, whether we’re blockin defensive ends or cracking linebackers. There’s a lot of similarities with how we did it at Ole Miss.”
Quotable: “I thought he was one of the better route-runners at the combine. He has natural receiver skills. He was our best graded-out guy going through the gauntlet. Watched his one-on-ones at the Senior Bowl and how he played at Ole Miss. Talked to Lane Kiffin, he’s the whole package. Really loved the guy.” — coach Kyle Shanahan
Jordan James of Oregon is bottled up within the Rose Bowl in opposition to Ohio State. A.P. Photograph
Fifth spherical, No. 147 general: Jordan James, working again, Oregon, 5-9, 205
Credentials: Rushed for 1,267 yards, averaged 5.4 yards per carry and scored 15 touchdowns for the Geese in 2024, constructing on a 223 season the place he averaged a gaudy 7.1 yards per try and gained 739 yards in a shared-back system. Sturdy, his 233 carries was third within the Huge Ten. Caught 42 passes for 347 yards and one landing in three seasons.
How he matches: James has expertise with zone scheme runs and has a nostril for the tip zone — one thing the 49er had been lacking final season with Christian McCaffrey lacking a lot time. He’s highly effective, finishes runs and can compete with Isaac Guerendo as a again who can spell McCaffrey. In line with the X account of 49ers’ CEO Jed York, 49ers scout Frank Gore is an enormous fan of James.
James says: “I think they have a great outside zone run scheme that I’m pretty good at. I like to watch running backs that run similar to me. Frank Gore is definitely one of those guys, a guy that’s hard to tackle. We’re not 4.3 speed guys but we get the job done.”
Quotable: “We’re fired up on Jordan. This was a really strong running back class. Powerful back, runs through tackles. Doesn’t have necessarily top-end speed, but he’s got dart and burst.” — GM John Lynch
Fifth spherical, No. 160 general: Marquis Sigle, security, Kansas State, 5-11, 199
Credentials: With a 4.37 time within the 40-yard sprint, Sigle has the top-end velocity to patrol the again finish of the protection. Performed three years at North Dakota State, the place was a teammate of former 49ers’ No. 3 general choose Trey Lance. Stepped up in competitors within the Huge 12 and was one of many Wildcats’ high tacklers for 2 years. Intercepted three passes, returning one for a landing as a senior.
How he matches: With the departure of Talanoa Hufanga to Denver in free company, Sigle might problem Ji’Ayir Brown to play alongside Malik Mustapha relying on how he progresses. He must be a particular groups issue instantly, and has place versatility in that he can play in nearly any sub bundle.
Sigle says: “I can play multiple positions. I can play free safety, strong safety, nickel and dime.”
Quotable: “He’s awesome. He’s a bow-legged safety, and like I told him, you can’t go wrong with a bow-legged safety. He’s played nickel, he’s a guy who can really run.” — GM John Lynch
Seventh spherical, No. 227 general: Kurtis Rourke, quarterback, Indiana, 6-4, 220
Credentials: Has performed 48 video games with 5 seasons at Ohio College and a last 12 months in 2024 as a switch at Indiana. Accomplished 69.4 % of his passes (222-for-320) for 3,042 yards, 29 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Was the Mid-American Offensive Participant of the 12 months in 2022, finishing 69.1 % of his passes for 3,257 yards, 25 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Brother Nathan is a quarterback within the CFL.
How he matches: Brock Purdy, as soon as upon a time a seventh-round draft choose himself, is entrenched because the starter as soon as he will get his contract located. The 49ers additionally introduced in Mac Jones on a two-year deal that ensures him $5 million, so he’s not going wherever. Tanner Mordecai spent final season on the apply squad, and Rourke will seemingly be taught the system and hope for that spot this season if wholesome. If not, he might be taught for a 12 months on injured reserve. Coming off knee surgical procedure in January — he performed all the season in a brace along with his second torn ACL — it’s unclear when Rourke can be able to play.
Rourke says: “Being able to come in a system where they took Brock, they developed him into one of the best quarterbacks in the league so I’m excited to be a part of that and follow that path as well.”
Quotable: “I love his size, love how he throws, love how he plays the position. He did the whole year with a broken finger, torn ACL and still looked really impressive. He probably won’t be ready for training camp, but it’s not an issue for us because we’ve got Brock and Mack and Tanner.” — coach Kyle Shanahan
Seventh spherical, No. 249 general: Conner Colby, guard/middle, Iowa, 6-6, 309
Credentials: First group All-Huge Ten choice as a senior, began all 13 video games at proper guard for the Hawkeyes. Thought of a strong run blocker who can transfer in a zone scheme whereas having points with cross safety on an Iowa group that struggled in that space.
How he matches: With Aaron Banks having departed in free company to Inexperienced Bay, Dominic Puni is entrenched at proper guard whereas Nick Zakelj is in reserve and Matt Hennessey out there to swing between middle and guard as a backup assuming he doesn’t beat out middle Jake Brendel.
Quotable: “We think he’s a really good scheme fit. Iowa does some of the same things we do in the run game and they do it every well.” GM John Lynch
Seventh spherical, No. 252 general: Junior Bergen, Montana, return specialist, 5-10, 184
Credentials: An Related Press FCS All-American, and received his group’s Most Priceless Participant award. In 4 seasons as a receiver caught 145 passes for 1,777 and 13 touchdowns. As a punt returner, Bergen had a profession common of 16.7 yards and eiht profession touchdowns on punt returns. He was return specialist of the 12 months within the FCS.
How he matches: Bergen was a large receiver in faculty and he’ll apply with that group with the 49ers, however his likelihood to make the roster is as a return specialist. Regardless of a middle-of-the-road 4.52 40-yard sprint time, Bergen confirmed such a knack as a return specialist the 49ers took him with a draft choose quite than playing he could be out there as an undrafted free agent.
Quotable: “To have a dynamic returner is a good thing. He’s done it really well at the smaller college level and he’s going to get an opportunity to do it with us,” GM John Lynch
