The San Francisco 49ers have a lot of needs to fill still heading into the 2025 NFL draft after losing many players in free agency. They have the 11th overall pick in the first round, where there seem to be multiple directions they can go to kickstart their draft.
According to ESPN’s Jordan Reid, the 49ers should address the defense mostly, with an extra emphasis on the trenches.
In an ESPN article focusing on the latest NFL draft buzz, three insiders did mini-mocks for teams outside the top 10. Reid did one for the 49ers, highlighting what he felt would make for a perfect draft for the team. Reid’s picks are as follows:
11. Jalon Walker, Edge, Georgia
43. Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
75. Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
100. Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
113. Jonas Sanker, S, Virginia
138. Kyle Kennard, Edge, South Carolina
147. Woody Marks, RB, USC
160. Jake Majors, C/G, Texas
227. Thomas Fidone II, TE, Nebraska
249. Kobe King, LB, Penn State
252. Andres Borregales, K, Miami
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“Addressing the trenches should be at the forefront. Outside of edge rusher Nick Bosa, the team lacks consistent options along the defensive front and needs multiple long-term choices on the offensive line. Walker gives the 49ers an explosive and versatile option off the edge, and Farmer and Kennard can contribute early or at least provide depth. Ersery could serve as the eventual heir apparent to All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams or bring immediate competition at right tackle.
Elsewhere on defense, Porter is a rangy and athletic zone corner with strong ball skills. And if Jake Moody struggles again, adding a powerful kicker such as Borregales wouldn’t hurt.”
Jalon Walker is definitely the most interesting pick in this mock, as he is a versatile linebacker and edge rusher who is seemingly viewed differently by every draft analyst.
Some view him as a potential top-10 pick and an elite prospect, while others are lower on him and view him as a potential bust.
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The 49ers have been known for drafting defenders well in the past, a big reason why they managed multiple Super Bowl appearances recently despite no big names at quarterback.
If any franchise could develop a raw prospect like Walker into an elite prospect, it is probably the 49ers.
Aireontae Ersery is also an interesting pick, given the needs the team has on the offensive line. The 49ers still have Trent Williams at left tackle, but he is 36 years old. The team could use more youth across the offensive line, so it would be interesting to see where Ersery starts off on the depth chart in this scenario.
Overall, the team focuses mainly on the defense and the offensive line in this mock, two main strengths the 49ers once had and likely want to get back. Especially with the team needing to pay quarterback Brock Purdy soon, this year’s draft is super important to get right.
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