With the 2025 NFL Draft set to kick off next week, several final mock drafts have recently been released, including three from CBS Sports contributors and one from NFL Media. These projections offer the most recent outlooks on how teams might approach their first-round picks.
Let's look at what these latest mock drafts predict for the San Francisco 49ers, who currently hold the 11th overall selection.
NFL.com mock draft: 49ers bolster D-line
In his second mock draft for NFL.com, Mike Band has the 49ers addressing their most pressing need—defensive line help. He projects San Francisco will select Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams in the first round.
"In his first four drafts as GM (2017-2020), John Lynch used three first-round picks on defensive linemen, establishing that front as a foundational pillar of the 49ers' team-building philosophy," Band explained. "Early-round investments on the unit slowed thereafter -- but now, with aging depth and uncertainty opposite Nick Bosa, that trend could swing back to prominence. Williams fits the prototype San Francisco typically covets: long, explosive and scheme-versatile, while possessing untapped upside."
According to Sports Reference, Williams recorded 14 sacks over his three seasons at Georgia, including five in 2024 despite being limited by an ankle injury.
CBS Sports mock drafts: Fortifying the defense
Jared Dubin of CBS Sports also sees the 49ers going with a pass rusher at No. 11, but he has them taking a different Georgia defender—edge rusher Jalon Walker. The versatile linebacker can line up in multiple spots and provide support in coverage and as a pass rusher.
"Not too far removed from NFC title game and Super Bowl appearances, the Niners have a surprising amount of needs," Dubin wrote. "Walker fits one as a guy who can play both on the ball and off it, getting after the quarterback and even making plays in space on the second level."
Walker finished the 2024 season with 60 tackles (11 for loss), 6.5 sacks, and two passes defensed in 14 games, per Sports Reference. He also earned the Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker and totaled 12.5 sacks over his college career.
Mike Renner, also of CBS Sports, also predicts the 49ers will address the edge, but has the team making Marshall defensive end Mike Green its first-round pick.
"The 49ers need any pass-rushing help they can find and Green is just that," Renner wrote. "He was the FBS sack leader last fall and can be a speed-rushing complement to Nick Bosa's power."
Green dominated in 2024, logging 17 sacks, 84 tackles (23 for loss), two passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery, per Sports Reference.
In his CBS Sports mock draft, Ryan Wilson takes a different approach, projecting Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron to the 49ers at No. 11.
"This may sound rich but, at times, Barron flashes in a way that reminds me of Brian Branch; he's one of the smartest players on the field, he's always around the ball, and if you need a play, he consistently shows up," Renner explained. "He can line up in the box, in the slot or outside, is an effective blitzer off the edge, and is an asset in the run game."
Barron's 91.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus ranked second among all FBS cornerbacks in 2024. He totaled 67 tackles (three for loss), a sack, 11 passes defensed, and five interceptions in 16 games, per Sports Reference.
Unlike the others, Wilson's mock extends through three rounds. After selecting Barron in the first, he has the 49ers taking Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins in the second round and South Carolina edge rusher Kyle Kennard in the third. He then has San Francisco addressing the offensive line with Georgia guard Dylan Fairchild at pick No. 100.
