In the 2025 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers made a surprising move by using their final seventh-round pick (No. 252) to select Junior Bergen, a return specialist from the University of Montana. Though officially listed as a wide receiver, the real reason behind this decision lies not in his receiving skills but in his exceptional talent as a returner. Special teams coach Brant Boyer has revealed the factors that led the 49ers to place their faith in this lesser-known player, and the story behind it is truly remarkable.
Junior Bergen – Montana’s “Hidden Star”
Junior Bergen is not a household name among football fans. He wasn’t invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, and at his Pro Day, his speed (4.56 seconds in the 40-yard dash) wasn’t particularly standout compared to other smaller returners. However, his college career stats at the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) level tell a different story. Bergen made his mark with eight punt return touchdowns during his college career, averaging 16.71 yards per punt return—a figure that ranks third in Big Sky Conference history, trailing only the legendary Cooper Kupp.
Special teams coach Brant Boyer didn’t hesitate to praise Bergen: “He’s one of the best returners at his level. If you say he has the ‘it factor,’ I believe he does. Bergen is one of the hardest workers on the team.” Bergen’s agility, situational awareness, and innate feel for the ball made him a top target for the 49ers to bolster their special teams—a perennial weakness for the team in recent years.
49ers’ Special Teams: A Gap to Fill
The San Francisco 49ers haven’t had a punt return touchdown in 246 consecutive games—a dubious record for the franchise. In the 2024 season, primary returner Jacob Cowing averaged just 8.8 yards per punt return, often slipping and failing to create big plays. With the NFL’s new kickoff rules (touchbacks now place the ball at the 35-yard line, encouraging more returns), the 49ers saw an opportunity to capitalize on a dynamic returner. This was the moment to invest in a player like Bergen.
According to General Manager John Lynch, the special teams coaching staff, including Brant Boyer and assistant Colt Anderson, both with ties to Montana, were instrumental in advocating for Bergen. “They kept talking about this kid from Montana and really sold us on him,” Lynch shared. The enthusiasm of Boyer and Anderson, combined with Bergen’s impressive track record, convinced the 49ers to take a chance on him with their final draft pick.
Bergen’s Unexpected Journey to Returner Stardom
Interestingly, Bergen didn’t start his college career as a returner. As he shared, the opportunity came only when Montana faced an injury crisis: “We lost a few guys, and the team was struggling at the return position. The coaches put me in there, and the rest is history.” From a chance decision, Bergen transformed himself into one of the FCS’s top returners, and now he has the opportunity to prove himself on the NFL stage.
A lifelong 49ers fan, Bergen couldn’t hide his excitement at being drafted by his favorite team: “The 49ers have been my team since I was a kid. My dad and his side of the family are all 49ers fans, so I’m thrilled to be here.” Bergen’s story is not just about talent but also about an emotional connection to the team he’s always idolized.
Can Bergen Change the Game?
While Bergen is expected to take on the primary returner role, securing a spot on the 49ers’ 53-man roster won’t be easy. He’ll have to compete with Jacob Cowing and other rookies like Jordan Watkins (a fourth-round pick). Additionally, with his smaller frame (5’10”, 184 pounds), Bergen must prove that his agility and skill can compensate for his lack of elite speed and size.
However, head coach Kyle Shanahan remains optimistic: “We brought him in to be a returner and to try to earn a spot that way.” With the backing of the coaching staff and his stellar college resume, Bergen has the potential to be the missing piece in the 49ers’ special teams puzzle.
Conclusion
The 49ers’ selection of Junior Bergen in the seventh round is not just a strategic move to improve their special teams but also a testament to the coaching staff’s vision in finding talent in unexpected places. From an under-the-radar player in Montana, Bergen has become a new hope for the 49ers, carrying the dream of rewriting the team’s punt return history. Can he replicate his FCS dominance in the NFL? Only time will tell, but Bergen’s story has already sparked curiosity and excitement among 49ers fans.