The San Francisco 49ers are in a strong position as they prepare for evaluations at the Reese's Senior Bowl. General manager John Lynch spent most of his time assessing the trenches. 49ers defensive quality control coach KJ Wright had his team's defensive line set and ready to dominate and compete. Here are some players who stood out and could potentially be selected by the 49ers in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Defensive Front
The 2024 NFL Draft will be the perfect opportunity for the 49ers to improve the defensive line. Marshall's edge rusher, Mike Green, was the talk of the Senior Bowl. He has the perfect speed-to-power ratio to give the 49ers the boost they need on the edge. Other prospects such as Central Arkansas's David Walker, Michigan's Josaiah Stewart, Boston College's Donovan Ezeiruaku, and Texas A&M's Shemar Stewart would be excellent fits on Saleh's defense. Each player has a speed-to-power combination to win on the next level—next to the interior on the defensive line.
Ole Miss' Walter Nolen stood out all three days. Although he left practice with an injury on the second day, Nolen returned on day three to remind everyone that he was the number one defensive tackle. At 293, he dominated in the pass rush all week long. Other prospects, such as Toledo's Darius Alexander, Virginia Tech's Aeneas Peebles, South Carolina's T.J. Sanders, Tennessee's Omarr Norman-Lott, and Kentucky's six-foot-seven powerhouse Deone Walker, all have the power, get off, and the quick first step to make an impact on Saleh's defense.
Cornerbacks
Expect Robert Saleh to enhance the secondary with players who will add speed and dog-like mentalities. Cornerbacks Darien Porter from Iowa State and Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky will be great additions to the 49ers' defensive backs room. Other players, such as Upton Stout from Western Kentucky and Jacob Parrish from Kansas State, had solid performances and would fit the 49ers' defense like a glove.
Linebackers
Jeffrey Bassa, out of Oregon, is the linebacker the 49ers need. His ability to cover and stop the run was excellent. Demetrius Knight II would also be a good linebacker option. He was one of the fastest linebackers on the field, and his play recognition was uncanny.
Safeties
Safety out of Georgia, Dan Jackson turned many heads, especially after his big PBU in the end zone on wide receiver Jack Bech from TCU. Saleh could build a number-one defense with several players from the Senior Bowl. Billy Bowman Jr., who is out of Oklahoma, also had an impressive Senior Bowl week. The ball hawk safety could come from Mobile.
Offensive Line
Switching things to the offensive side, expect 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan to bolster the offensive line with players like Greg Zabel out of North Dakota State, the most versatile lineman in Mobile. Josh Conerly, Oregon, Jackson Slater, Sacramento State, and Miles Frazier, LSU, could be great additions to Chris Foerster's offensive line.
Running Backs
The 49ers' running back coach, Bobby Turner, should look at Marcus Yarns from Delaware. He was the fastest back and a matchup nightmare as a pass catcher. He won every rep during three days of practice. Trevor Etienne, Georgia, could be another potential addition to the running backs room.
Wideouts
If the 49ers draft a receiver, it must be either Jaylin Noel or Jayden Higgins, Iowa State, Tez Johnson, an Oregon, or Jack Bech, TCU. Each receiver brings a unique skill set to the 49ers. Noel runs the route, Higgins can create separation, Johnson has the speed, and Bech catches everything. The one thing they have in common is the dog mentality.
Tight Ends
Harold Fannin Jr., a tight end at Bowling Green, would be a dream come true for the 49ers. He would be a Deebo Samuel at the tight end position. Fannin Jr. took reps at the fullback position during practice. Oregon's Terrance Ferguson would be another great addition. He can block and has very soft hands. He caught everything thrown his way, even in traffic and in double coverage.
Quarterback
Last but certainly not least, Jaxson Dart of Ole Miss would be the quarterback to run Shanahan's system to a tee. Although he struggled in practice, he'd be the perfect fit in San Francisco. He showcased his strong arms and was most impressive when throwing out routes.
If left to me, I could write about every player at the Senior Bowl. They were all impressive in their own way. Hopefully, the 49ers organization found some gems in Mobile. Next up is the NFL Combine and then the 2025 NFL Draft.
