San Francisco 49ers: Preparing for a Crucial 2025 Draft with the No. 11 Pick

After a season that saw the San Francisco 49ers fall from a Super Bowl appearance to a disappointing 6-11 record, the franchise is facing a pivotal offseason. With significant roster changes and difficult decisions ahead, general manager John Lynch is focusing on the 2025 NFL Draft to rebuild and position the team for success in the coming seasons. The 49ers’ first-round pick, No. 11 overall, is crucial in determining the direction they take, with the team looking to fill key holes in their lineup. Here’s a breakdown of what the 49ers need and which players they might target at the draft.

Addressing Cap Issues and Roster Changes

This offseason, the 49ers have made several roster moves, many of them focused on freeing up cap space for the future. To make room for a potential Brock Purdy extension, San Francisco parted ways with veterans like Leonard Floyd, Maliek Collins, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, and Javon Hargrave. They also traded star wide receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders and temporarily cut fullback Kyle Juszczyk to renegotiate his deal.

While these moves helped the 49ers clear space to address their long-term goals, it left the team with gaps to fill. Notably, several internal free agents were allowed to leave, including cornerback Charvarius Ward, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, and offensive lineman Aaron Banks. With the 49ers needing to restock their roster, the 2025 draft will be critical in filling these voids.

The 2025 Draft: The Key to Rebuilding the 49ers’ Defense

Although the 49ers made a series of strategic cuts in free agency, they weren’t able to make significant additions due to their cap limitations. This means the 49ers will likely turn to the 2025 NFL Draft to find impactful players who can immediately contribute to their defense. With 11 total picks, including four compensatory picks, the 49ers have the opportunity to reshape their roster, particularly focusing on positions that will bolster their defense.

Lynch and the front office will need to make the most of their No. 11 pick, as it’s vital for getting back into championship contention. Let’s take a look at some of the top prospects the 49ers should consider to reinforce their defense.

CB Will Johnson, Michigan: The 49ers’ Potential Top Pick

One of the most pressing needs for the 49ers is a shutdown cornerback. The loss of Charvarius Ward has left a gap in the secondary, and with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s penchant for man-heavy schemes, the team desperately needs an elite corner. Enter Michigan’s Will Johnson, a standout corner who could be a perfect fit for the 49ers.

In his three years at Michigan, Johnson was a force in coverage, allowing zero touchdowns on 810 total coverage snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. Even during an injury-riddled 2024 season, he maintained a passer rating of no higher than 66.5 when targeted. Johnson’s elite traits make him one of the best cornerbacks in the draft, and his addition to the 49ers would instantly improve their secondary. With a high ceiling and physical attributes to match, Johnson could step in as the team’s top corner and become a key part of Saleh’s defense. If available at No. 11, passing on him would be a significant missed opportunity.

DE Mykel Williams, Georgia: Filling the Edge Rusher Void

While cornerback is a major need for the 49ers, the defensive line also requires attention, especially after the release of Leonard Floyd. Nick Bosa remains one of the best pass rushers in the league, but adding another elite edge rusher to complement him would provide a much-needed boost to San Francisco’s defense.

Georgia’s Mykel Williams fits the bill as one of the top edge rushers in the 2025 class. In 2024, Williams recorded 8.5 tackles for loss in just 11 games, showcasing his ability to disrupt the backfield. While Williams might be a slightly raw prospect, his upside is undeniable. Adding him to the 49ers’ defense would provide another explosive weapon off the edge, ensuring that the team remains formidable in both pass rush and run defense. While other positions may be more pressing, Williams’ potential to develop into a game-changer could be worth selecting early at No. 11.

DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon: Strengthening the Interior

Another area of concern for the 49ers is the interior defensive line. The team’s release of Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins left a significant hole in the middle of their defensive front. To remedy this, the 49ers need to target a strong, disruptive defensive tackle in the draft.

Derrick Harmon from Oregon is one of the best interior defensive linemen available, and his skill set could be exactly what the 49ers need to solidify the middle of their defense. Harmon is a force against the run and brings impressive size and strength to the table. As a senior, he posted 45 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles, earning second-team AP All-American honors. His ability to clog up the middle and apply pressure on quarterbacks would make him a perfect fit in the 49ers’ defense.

Although the 49ers’ defensive line may not be the most urgent need, Harmon’s ability to dominate the interior and complement the edge rushers would be a valuable addition to the roster. His physicality and football IQ would elevate the team’s defensive front, which has been a core part of their success under Kyle Shanahan.

Conclusion: The 49ers’ 2025 Draft Strategy

As the San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL Draft with the No. 11 pick, they have several crucial decisions to make. The loss of key players like Charvarius Ward and Leonard Floyd, combined with a pressing need for both cornerback and defensive line depth, means that Lynch will need to hit on their first-round pick to set the team up for success.

Whether it’s selecting Will Johnson to shore up the secondary, Mykel Williams to boost the pass rush, or Derrick Harmon to anchor the interior defensive line, the 49ers have plenty of options to strengthen their defense and get back into title contention. With 11 draft picks and a pressing need to improve their roster, this year’s draft could be the turning point for the 49ers’ pursuit of a Super Bowl.