49ers Eye ‘Home Run’ Pick for Defense: Will Mason Graham Be the Dream Come True?

The San Francisco 49ers are looking to bolster their defensive line this offseason, and according to NFL Network draft expert Daniel Jeremiah, they could hit a “home run” if they land the right player.

During a national media conference call on Wednesday, Jeremiah pointed out the ideal prospect for the 49ers at the No. 11 pick: Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham.

“If you’re looking for a dream scenario, to me, it would be if Mason Graham were to fall to them where they could scoop him up,” Jeremiah emphasized.

Mason Graham – A Defensive Nightmare for Opponents

Graham is no stranger to scouts. With an imposing frame of 6-foot-3 (1.91m), 320 pounds (145 kg) and ranked No. 4 overall on PFF’s draft board, the Michigan star has terrorized offensive lines for the past three seasons.

 Impressive College Stats at Michigan:
 12 sacks
 17 hits
 47 hurries
 108 tackles (60 solo, 18 tackles for loss)

Graham excels in the B-gap, possessing the disruptive power and explosiveness that perfectly fit Kris Kocurek’s aggressive defensive system.

Backup Plan: Walter Nolen – A ‘Wrecking Machine’

If Graham is off the board by the time the 49ers are on the clock, Jeremiah suggests another intriguing option: Walter Nolen, a former Texas A&M standout who transferred to Ole Miss.

“He’s a great scheme fit for them. But instead of taking him at 11, I think a better move would be trading back to get more value,” Jeremiah said.

 Nolen’s 3-Year College Stats:
 14 sacks
 10 hits
 46 hurries (25 in his final season alone)
 48 tackles (25 solo, 6.5 sacks in 2024)

Nolen is an explosive interior lineman with elite quickness—an ideal match for the “Jet Front” system that Kocurek loves, emphasizing penetration and speed.

What Will the 49ers Do?

With Javon Hargrave set to hit free agency, the 49ers currently have Jordan Elliott, Maliek Collins, Kalia Davis, and Evan Anderson under contract.

While Jeremiah believes San Francisco could take a DT at No. 11, he also notes that this year’s draft class is deep at the position, meaning they could still land a quality player on Day 2.

Will the 49ers go all-in for Mason Graham, or will they opt for a safer move? The answer will be revealed on Draft Day!