The San Francisco 49ers kept each of their original draft picks and welcomed in eleven new players via the 2025 NFL Draft, addressing positions of need on defense early. Free agency departures and cuts made the D-line the top priority for San Francisco, and, as a result, the team dedicated three of its first five picks to fortifying the trenches on the defensive side of the ball. They picked up edge rusher Mykel Williams with the 11th-overall pick, followed up with defensive tackles Alfred Collins in Round 2 and C.J. West in Round 4. All three are proven run-stoppers with lots of pass-rushing upside.
Later in the fourth round is when the 49ers switched gears, selecting their first skills player in wide receiver Jordan Watkins out of Ole Miss. The red and gold went on to add another wide receiver, running back, and quarterback before the day was over. Shortly after the conclusion of the draft, the 49ers also agreed to terms with six undrafted rookie free agents.
Let's take a look at what national outlets had to say about the 49ers stock following the 2025 NFL Draft:
Eric Edholm, Lead Draft Writer
"The 49ers used their first five picks on defense before finally pivoting to the offensive side on Day 3. It was not a shocking approach for a team whose depth chart felt pretty lean after the roster was raided in free agency. Mykel Williams could be a terrific pick in time, and I like Alfred Collins and CJ West to earn snaps inside. We'll see if the Niners plugged enough holes this offseason, but they allocated their resources well, I think."
Nick Wagoner, ESPN NFL Reporter on Improved Positions
"The 49ers didn't spend much in free agency, but the defensive line should regain its former dominance if their draft picks pan out. San Francisco used selections on edge rusher Mykel Williams at No. 11 and two defensive tackles (Alfred Collins at No. 43 and CJ West at No. 113). All three might be starters in September after the Niners said goodbye to edge Leonard Floyd along with tackles Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins in March. That rookie trio joins stalwart edge Nick Bosa, giving the 49ers some much-needed juice at a position group they've long prioritized."
Josh Kendall, Staff Writer
"The 49ers took defenders with their first five picks, starting with one of the biggest edge rushers in this draft in Mykel Williams and then following it up in the second round with one of the biggest humans on the planet, 6-6, 332-pound defensive lineman Alfred Collins. The sneaky name to watch is fifth-round running back Jordan James, who could be the next breakout star in this running game."
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports Senior Writer
"They rebuilt the defensive line in the draft, which was a must. They have to stay healthy, but this is a team that still has stars on both sides of the ball."
David Helman, NFL Reporter
"The 49ers were so happy to have Robert Saleh back, they made their first five picks on the defensive side of the ball. That feels like the right way to play it. San Francisco's issues on offense are mainly health-related. It's the defense that needed an infusion of young talent if the Niners are going to get back to contending."
