49ers Retooling, Not Rebuilding: Can the 2025 Draft Save Their Super Bowl Window?

The San Francisco 49ers are in a critical transition. They’re not tearing it all down, but they are making significant changes, and fans are feeling the impact. Nearly 20 players—many instrumental in the team’s back-to-back NFC Championship runs—are gone.

With Brock Purdy’s looming mega-extension (rumored to be between $58-68 million annually), the front office has had to take a frugal approach to free agency. General manager John Lynch opted for low-cost depth signings instead of splashy acquisitions, signaling that the real work will happen in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Armed with 11 draft picks, Lynch has a golden opportunity to reshape the roster. According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, there are five critical areas the 49ers must address to remain contenders:

 Defensive Line
 Offensive Line
 Wide Receiver
 Linebacker
 Cornerback

The right picks could be the key to a quick turnaround. But will they get it right?

Fixing the Trenches: The Blueprint for Success

San Francisco’s dominance in recent years was built on elite line play, but cracks are showing.

 Defensive Line: The once-feared front seven is now severely depleted. Nick Bosa is still a superstar, but he can’t do it alone. Luckily, the 2025 draft class is loaded with defensive talent, meaning the Niners could find difference-makers at defensive tackle or edge rusher in the mid-to-late rounds.

 Offensive Line: Protecting Purdy is now the franchise’s biggest investment. Pro Football Focus’ latest mock draft has the 49ers selecting All-American LSU tackle Will Campbell at No. 11. That pick could be the first step in replacing Trent Williams, who turns 37 this summer and struggled with injuries last season.

If San Francisco truly believes in Purdy as its franchise QB, they must ensure he’s well-protected—and that starts in April.

Can the 49ers Still Field an Elite Passing Attack?

The 49ers’ receiving corps has been gutted this offseason.

 Deebo Samuel? Traded to Washington.
 Brandon Aiyuk? Recovering from a torn ACL and MCL.
 Christian McCaffrey? Played only four games last season.

That leaves Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall as the primary targets, which won’t cut it in today’s NFL.

While this year’s draft class isn’t as strong at wide receiver as previous years, there are intriguing options. If the 49ers wait until Day 2 or Day 3, names like Tre Harris, Jayden Higgins, and Tez Johnson could be worth watching.

The bottom line? If San Francisco is willing to pay Purdy, they must get him more weapons

Defense Needs Playmakers, Too

Defense has been the backbone of the 49ers’ success, but last season, it crumbled.

 San Francisco allowed 25.6 points per game—4th worst in the NFL.
 Dre Greenlaw (LB) and Charvarius Ward (CB) are gone.

Replacing Greenlaw, the defense’s glue, and Ward, a Second-Team All-Pro, won’t be easy. But it’s essential.

Many analysts believe Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron could be a perfect fit at No. 11. If the Niners want to get back to being a dominant defensive unit, adding a playmaking CB and LB in the draft is non-negotiable.

The Bottom Line: Will the Draft Fix Everything?

San Francisco must nail this draft. After a disastrous 6-11 season, fans won’t tolerate another disappointment.

The NFL Draft is the team’s best (and only) chance to reload while managing Purdy’s contract and keeping the Super Bowl window open.

Will John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan find the right pieces?
Or is the 49ers’ golden era fading?

The answer arrives April 25-27, 2025—and every Niners fan will be watching.