Pick 11 is enticing, but the 49ers could seek an uncovered gem on day two
Despite the numerous mock drafts that have the 49ers selecting a player overlooking an obvious need (defensive line, offensive line, linebacker), the team has 11 picks in the 2025 draft. While the overall consensus is that the team should address Mooney Ward’s departure with a cornerback, one person has the 49ers addressing the defensive line in the second round.
The national media is either hearing things nobody else is by selecting Will Johnson from Michigan or Jahdae Barron from Texas in the first round; the team has a glaring need for a space-eating, dominant defensive tackle for their wide-nine scheme.
Mason Graham at number 11 is an absolute dream. The issue is the 49ers aren’t the only team vying for the Michigan Wolverines‘ services. Since DeForest Buckner departed for Indianapolis, the team has tried to fill his presence with veterans and rookies. Javon Hargrave was signed as a long-term solution. Javon Kinlaw’s draft selection to be the team’s cornerstone defensive lineman.
Given the depth at the defensive line position in the 2025 draft, it’s difficult to understand the 49ers’ reasoning for not adding to the group. First-rounders end up as busts, and tweeners end up in Canton. The draft process is fascinating.
Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus has identified each team’s ideal day two fits.
The 49ers have multiple defensive spots to address in the draft. The issue is the pressure on the draft picks to be day-one difference-makers. Pick 11 is the ideal spot to draft a blue-chip player, but the 49ers could look in the later rounds to address the group.
T.J. Sanders of South Carolina (Javon Kinlaw and Deebo Samuel’s alma mater) is the player Cameron has eyes on.
The 49ers need a disruptive presence on the interior, so targeting a disruptive 3-technique like Sanders makes too much sense. His wicked first step and lateral quickness — due to his basketball background — allowed him to penetrate at a high level, contributing to his 90.3 PFF pass-rush grade versus true pass sets last season.
Character and play on the field is a tough formula for any team. The 49ers are a team that prefers good people and good players. Sanders has no such concerns. The issue is more of addressing the group later in the draft rather than a player with immediate impact/day-one ability.
Sanders is someone with immense talent, but the pick at number 11 will be the deciding factor in many fans minds of the overall draft class.
Time will tell on the returns from the 2025 class, but the 49ers have to “nail” this draft to get back into the discussion of the NFC hierarchy.