The 49ers last used their top pick on a defensive lineman in 2022, selecting USC's Drake Jackson in the second round. Unfortunately, that decision hasn't panned out as hoped. Jackson has appeared in only 23 games over three seasons, missing all of 2024 due to injuries.
Edwards predicts the 49ers will select Nic Scourton, a defensive end out of Texas A&M.
"The 49ers have consistently developed edge rushers opposite Nick Bosa until recently and now they have been hard-pressed to find a stable complement," Edwards explained. "Nic Scourton is a powerful rusher who should squeeze the pocket."
CBS Sports ranks Scourton as the 16th-best prospect in the draft and the fourth-best at his position. Over the past two seasons, he has tallied 15 sacks, including a career-high 10 in 2023 while playing for Purdue.
This year, Scourton posted 37 tackles, including 14 for loss, and led the Aggies with 34 pressures, per Pro Football Focus.
Edwards believes adding a talent like Scourton could provide the 49ers with the complementary edge presence they've long sought, adding to a rotation that already includes Leonard Floyd and Yetur Gross-Matos.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers bolster defensive front in latest CBS Sports mock draft
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports unveiled his latest mock draft on Thursday, projecting the San Francisco 49ers to bolster their defensive front with the 11th overall pick. Following a disappointing 6-11 season, Edwards predicts that general manager John Lynch and his team will... -
The Draft Network's mock draft projects popular pick to 49ers
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, many mock drafts predict that the San Francisco 49ers will focus on bolstering their offensive line with the 11th overall pick. Mason Johnstone of The Draft Network shares this view, selecting Texas offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr. for the... -
PFN mock draft projects 49ers to land potential Trent Williams successor
Pro Football Network released its latest mock draft, and it's no surprise that the San Francisco 49ers are projected to prioritize bolstering their offensive line with the 11th overall pick. With quarterback Brock Purdy expected to sign a lucrative contract extension this... -
PFN 7-round mock draft: 49ers address both sides of the ball with top picks
Seven-round mock drafts are always fascinating and challenging, attempting to project every pick for every team. Pro Football Network analyst Dalton Miller recently released one, predicting the San Francisco 49ers will address both sides of the ball with their first two...