San Francisco could be looking to jump into the Top 10 come draft day.
We’re officially nine days away from the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, where the San Francisco 49ers currently stand at the No. 11 overall pick.
Heading into the draft, it feels like the 49ers could be a wild-card team. In a class that isn’t perceived as very top-heavy, there don’t seem to be many trade-up or trade-down candidates inside the top 10.
But, at No. 11 is where things get interesting, especially if a quarterback starts to slide down or rise up the board.
Still, it’s unclear exactly what the 49ers’ intentions are just days away from the draft, be it to stay pat, trade up, or even move down the board a couple of spots. But, all avenues are realistic, and ESPN’s Field Yates made the case for why San Francisco is a prime trade-up candidate in next week’s draft.
“The 49ers made one of the most audacious recent NFL draft trades, as they moved up nine spots a month before the draft in 2021 and eventually took quarterback Trey Lance,” Yates wrote. “I don’t anticipate a move anywhere near that bold this year, but here is a scenario to consider: If Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders goes third overall to the Giants, the chain reaction would likely include the Patriots taking Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter or Colorado receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter.”
Well, where would that leave the 49ers?
With two quarterbacks gone in the top four picks, as well as the top two perceived players in the draft with Carter and Hunter, that pushes other blue-chip players down the board, which could entice San Francisco.
“[Carter or Hunter going to New England] means the top two offensive tackles — LSU’s Will Campbell and Missouri’s Armand Membou — could reach the eighth pick of the draft,” Yates continued.
“Should that be the case, would San Francisco — with its major offensive line need — consider leapfrogging the Bears at No. 10 to draft one of them? The 49ers have a lot of holes to fill throughout the draft, but they also have 11 picks to work with — tied for the most.”
The 49ers have been very particular about the offensive tackles they target in the NFL Draft. There’s a reason they’ve passed on early candidates before and settled for specific types in the later rounds. So, if Membou or Campbell (or both) fit the needs that San Francisco looks for, they could very well execute a trade up to nab their preferred guy ahead of linemen-needy teams like the Chicago Bears or the New Orleans Saints.
Of course, many things would have to fall into place in this scenario, the main thing being Shedeur Sanders getting taken by the New York Giants at No. 3 overall.
The Patriots have been mocked to take the first lineman in several projections by analysts. However, if an elite talent like Travis Hunter or Abdul Carter makes it to No. 4, rather than being swooped up by the Giants, New England would probably change course, moving an offensive lineman down the board.
Behind them, the Jaguars have been heavily linked to top defensive tackle Mason Graham, while the Las Vegas Raiders are currently favored to take running back Ashton Jeanty, according to sportsbooks.
Then comes the New York Jets, who could very well take an offensive tackle early, potentially leaving the other of the duo available at No. 8, where Yates suggests a trade up for the 49ers.
This would be a move that only comes to fruition on draft night if the board falls right. But, it’s notable that there’s buzz for a potential trade-up for the 49ers.
San Francisco does have ample draft capital, holding 11 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including four in the Top 100. So, a trade-up is feasible. Will it ultimately happen, though?
We’ll find out in nine days.