Adam Rank: 49ers should draft this versatile defender at No. 11

NFL Media contributor Adam Rank doesn't seem too interested in trying to predict what teams will do in the first round of next week's 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, in his latest mock draft, Rank chose to identify the prospects he believes each team should select.

Putting himself in general manager John Lynch's shoes, Rank has the San Francisco 49ers using the No. 11 overall pick to select Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker.

"I don't feel like you're that far from competing again, Niners," Rank wrote. "It would be a mistake for everyone to overlook you. The biggest need seems to be a reset in the trenches, on both sides of the ball."

The 49ers are widely expected to address the trenches with multiple picks next week. The defensive line is thin, especially after parting ways with Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd. Linebacker is another pressing need following Dre Greenlaw's departure to the Denver Broncos.

Walker is viewed as a versatile defender who can step in for Greenlaw and contribute as a pass-rusher.

"OK, so Walker might not always line up there (on the edge); he still figures to be a huge addition to the pass rush, partnering with Nick Bosa to help rejuvenate the defense," Rank added. "Easy pick."

In 2024, Walker posted 60 tackles (11 for loss), 6.5 sacks, and two passes defensed over 14 games, per Sports Reference. He also earned the prestigious Butkus Award, given annually to the nation's top linebacker.

Over three seasons at Georgia, Walker totaled 89 tackles (19 for loss), 12.5 sacks, three passes defensed, and one forced fumble. He earned a Pro Football Focus pass-rushing grade of at least 83.6 in each of the past two seasons, leading the Bulldogs with 34 total pressures in 2024.