The San Francisco 49ers currently have four picks in the top 100 of the 2025 NFL Draft. Their first selection is No. 11 overall, followed by a second-round pick and two third-round selections, including a compensatory pick.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) contributor Bradley Locker recently analyzed the potential first three rounds of the upcoming draft and identified the ideal haul for each team. For the 49ers, Locker's picks are focused on fortifying the defensive side of the ball.
Locker has San Francisco selecting Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon, Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell, Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter, and Iowa State wide receiver Jaylin Noel.
Harmon's selection is sure to spark debate. Some mock drafts project him as a late first-round pick, while others don't list him in the first round at all. We'll see where his stock lands as the draft approaches.
Locker explained the defensive focus: "Now that the 49ers know that Trent Williams will play in 2025, they can rest assured that they probably don't need to draft a tackle as highly anymore (although adding one would still be smart). Now, John Lynch can focus on recovering from potential free-agent losses this offseason."
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw could depart via free agency, and the 49ers are also expected to release defensive tackle Javon Hargrave with a post-June 1 designation.
"San Francisco's interior defenders generally underperformed in 2024, and Javon Hargrave will be a free agent," Locker wrote. "Harmon (83.9 overall PFF grade) could naturally slide in and start next to Nick Bosa. At linebacker, the 49ers need a consistently healthy starter next to Fred Warner, and Campbell (81.6 overall PFF grade) would be too good to pass up in the second round."
Cornerback Charvarius Ward isn't likely to return, leaving depth concerns in the secondary. Additionally, the 49ers are expected to part ways with wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who requested a trade during January's exit interviews, creating an opportunity to draft a wideout.
"Porter (4.7 passer rating when targeted) and Noel (81.7 PFF receiving grade) could account for losing both Charvarius Ward and Deebo Samuel," Locker added.
