SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — After watching several starters leave for other teams at the start of the free agent period, the San Francisco 49ers had some glaring holes on their defensive depth chart.
After taking defensive players with their first five picks in the NFL draft, the Niners hope they have filled those spots and can get back to being the dominant defense they were before a major drop off last season.
The San Francisco 49ers entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear mission: rebuild a defense that had been decimated by free agency losses and injuries in the 2024 season. With a disappointing 6-11 record and significant departures, including key defensive starters like Dre Greenlaw, Charvarius Ward, Javon Hargrave, and Leonard Floyd, the 49ers faced glaring holes across their defensive line, linebacker corps, and secondary. Armed with 11 draft picks, tied for the most in the league, General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan adopted a defense-heavy approach, using their first five selections to address these critical needs. Here’s a comprehensive look at how the 49ers aimed to restore their defensive identity in the 2025 draft.
A Defensive Overhaul: The Strategy
The 49ers’ defensive line, once a cornerstone of their success, had become a weak point. The team ranked 28th in defensive expected points added against the run and tied for 23rd in sacks (37) in 2024. The loss of stalwarts like Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Floyd left Nick Bosa as the lone returning starter, underscoring the need for immediate impact players. Additionally, the departure of linebacker Dre Greenlaw to the Denver Broncos and cornerback Charvarius Ward to the Indianapolis Colts created voids in the second and third levels of the defense.
With Robert Saleh returning as defensive coordinator, the 49ers leaned on their 11 draft picks to rebuild. Their strategy was clear: prioritize the trenches early, add athleticism at linebacker, and bolster the secondary with versatile playmakers. The result was a draft class that echoed their legendary 1981 draft, which produced defensive stars like Ronnie Lott. For the first time in 44 years, the 49ers used their first five picks exclusively on defense.
Key Defensive Picks
Round 1, Pick 11: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia
The 49ers kicked off their draft by selecting Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams, a long, explosive player with the versatility to complement Bosa. Williams, who recorded 14 sacks and 57 hurries over three seasons at Georgia, was seen as a high-upside pick despite a 2024 ankle injury that limited his production. Analysts noted that Williams fits the 49ers’ prototype for edge rushers, with the potential to develop into a long-term bookend for Bosa under the guidance of defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. While not guaranteed to start immediately, expectations are high for Williams to contribute early, especially given the team’s need for pass-rush juice.
Round 2, Pick 43: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas
In the second round, the 49ers doubled down on their defensive line, selecting Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins. At 6-6 and 332 pounds, Collins brings much-needed size to the interior. His ability to clog running lanes was evident at Texas, where opponents averaged just 2.9 yards per carry when he was on the field. Collins is expected to compete for a starting role immediately, likely at defensive tackle, where the 49ers need to improve their 28th-ranked run defense. His pairing with Williams signals a clear intent to rebuild the front four with young, physical players.
Round 3, Pick 75: Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State
To address the loss of Dre Greenlaw, the 49ers selected Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin in the third round. Martin, a first-team All-Big 12 performer in 2023 with 140 tackles (16 for loss), brings speed (4.53-second 40-yard dash) and tenacity to the weakside linebacker position. Despite missing seven games in 2024 due to an MCL injury, Martin’s combine performance and college tape made him a compelling pick. He’ll compete with Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune for playing time alongside Fred Warner, with his health being the primary question mark.
Round 3, Pick 100: Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky
The 49ers continued their defensive focus by selecting Western Kentucky cornerback Upton Stout, a 5-8½ nickel specialist compared to former 49ers standout K’Waun Williams. Stout, who earned first-team All-Conference USA honors in 2024, didn’t allow a touchdown in coverage over 409 snaps the past two seasons. His quickness and blitzing ability make him a candidate for the slot role, potentially reducing Deommodore Lenoir’s workload in nickel packages. While his size may limit him to the slot, Stout’s feistiness and special teams potential add depth to a secondary that lost Ward and others.
Round 4, Pick 113: C.J. West, DT, Indiana
Rounding out their early defensive haul, the 49ers selected Indiana defensive tackle C.J. West. At 316 pounds, West adds more bulk to the interior, with 52 stops at or behind the line of scrimmage since 2021, the most among FBS defensive tackles in that span. West’s disruptive college production suggests he could work into the defensive line rotation immediately, joining Collins and 2024 undrafted rookie Evan Anderson to form a young, heavy trio of tackles.
Later Picks and Offensive Additions
While the 49ers’ first five picks were defensive, they used their remaining selections to address offensive needs and add depth. Notable picks included:
Round 4, Pick 138: Jordan Watkins, WR, Ole Miss – A speedy slot receiver with a 4.37-second 40-yard dash, Watkins had five catches of 60+ yards in 2024, the most in the FBS. He’s expected to add dynamism to the receiving corps after Deebo Samuel’s departure.
Round 5, Pick 147: Jordan James, RB, Oregon – A second-team All-Big Ten running back with 1,267 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024, James provides depth behind Christian McCaffrey.
Round 5, Pick 160: Marques Sigle, S, Kansas State – A versatile safety with a 4.37-second 40, Sigle can play multiple roles in the secondary, offering competition for Ji’Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha.
The 49ers also added a quarterback (Kurtis Rourke), an offensive lineman (Connor Colby), and another wide receiver (Junior Bergen) in the seventh round, focusing on developmental prospects.
Analysis: Did the 49ers Fill Their Holes?
The 49ers’ draft strategy was a calculated response to their 2024 defensive struggles. By prioritizing the defensive line with Williams, Collins, and West, they addressed their most pressing need: stopping the run and generating pressure. Posts on X praised the trio’s potential, with one user noting, “Good luck running the ball on them my god.” Martin’s selection aims to replace Greenlaw’s physicality, though his injury history adds risk. Stout and Sigle provide depth and versatility in the secondary, critical after losing Ward and Talanoa Hufanga.
However, some analysts questioned the approach. PFF gave the 49ers a “D” grade, citing concerns about Williams’ rawness and the team’s failure to address the offensive line early. The loss of guard Aaron Banks and swing tackle Jaylon Moore, combined with Trent Williams’ age (37), leaves the offensive line vulnerable. Additionally, while the 49ers added speed at receiver with Watkins, the offense may still lack the firepower lost with Samuel’s trade.
Outlook for 2025
The 49ers’ 2025 draft class has the potential to transform their defense, particularly if Williams and Collins develop into starters and Martin stays healthy. Saleh’s return as coordinator should help maximize these young talents, leveraging his familiarity with the system. However, the success of this draft hinges on the coaching staff’s ability to develop raw prospects like Williams and address remaining holes, particularly on the offensive line, in future offseasons.
With 11 picks, the 49ers took a significant step toward reclaiming their defensive identity. Whether this class rivals the 1981 haul remains to be seen, but for now, the Faithful can be optimistic about a revitalized front seven and a secondary with fresh playmakers. As Lynch said, “There are a lot of starters in this draft.” The 49ers are banking on finding several of them to return to NFC contention.