49ers Face Draft Pressure: Is Cornerback the Top Priority After Free Agency Shake-Up?

The 2025 NFL Draft is fast approaching, and for the San Francisco 49ers, this year’s selections could be franchise-altering.

With limited cap space and looming contract extensions for Brock Purdy and George Kittle, the 49ers have taken a quiet approach to free agency, choosing to watch veteran talent walk rather than making splashy signings. Instead, general manager John Lynch has opted for a strategy focused on getting younger and cheaper through the draft.

Now, with 11 picks at their disposal, the pressure is on San Francisco to nail this draft—and one position stands out as the team’s biggest weakness.

PFF Identifies 49ers’ Top Need: A True No. 1 CB

While the 49ers have multiple roster holes to address, Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick believes one position stands above the rest: cornerback.

“Charvarius Ward’s free-agent deal with the Colts left a large hole in the 49ers‘ cornerback room. Former second-round pick Renardo Green had a very encouraging rookie season and Deommodore Lenoir is a solid nickel cornerback, but San Francisco doesn’t have many answers at the other outside cornerback spot. The newly signed Tre Brown is currently the team’s best option, although he has earned sub-65.0 PFF overall grades in reserve duty across his career.”

With Ward gone, the 49ers lack a true lockdown corner to anchor their secondary. And with Robert Saleh now back as defensive coordinator, securing a dominant outside CB could be essential to his system.

The Perfect Fit at No. 11?

If the 49ers stay at pick No. 11, they could have a shot at landing a top-tier cornerback prospect.

“Michigan’s Will Johnson would fit perfectly into defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s defense at No. 11 overall.” — Max Chadwick, Pro Football Focus

Johnson, a 6’2” playmaker, was a key piece in Michigan’s 2023 national championship run and would bring a physical, ball-hawking presence to San Francisco’s defense.

But he’s not the only option. Other top cornerbacks in the draft include:

• Jahdae Barron (Texas)

• Maxwell Hairston (Kentucky)

• Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame)

And while Colorado’s Travis Hunter would be a dream selection, he’ll likely be off the board long before pick No. 11.

Will the 49ers Use Their Top-100 Picks Wisely?

Thanks to a compensatory pick, the 49ers have four selections in the top 100—giving them flexibility to address multiple needs beyond cornerback.

Could they prioritize pass rush, bolster the interior defensive line, or reinforce the offensive line? The options are plentiful, but one thing is clear: San Francisco can’t afford to miss in this draft.

What Should the 49ers Do?

Should the 49ers go all-in on a lockdown corner, or do they have bigger needs to fill? Sound off, Niner Faithful!