Can the 49ers afford to make a luxury pick on Day 1?
As mock drafts file in, the 49ers’ scenarios change and vary depending on analysts’ perspectives. Offensive and defensive lines are obvious needs to address, but the best player available scenario can wreck that plan if the 49ers value their board over immediate needs.
Could the 49ers address the secondary with the 11th pick?
The team is preparing for Mooney Ward to move on in free agency this offseason. Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenoir are the two starters at outside corner, barring an addition of a slot cornerback (hello, D.J. Reed) in the draft or free agency.
Malik Mustapha is one of the starting safeties. Talanoa Hufanga, who will test free agency, figures to draw significant interest. Ji’Ayir Brown regressed in 2024 but could still be in the team’s plans to start next to Mustapha.
Will Johnson from Michigan popped up in Bucky Brooks’s mock draft for the 49ers at pick 11. With Robert Saleh returning as defensive coordinator, the team will likely stick with its cover three tendencies, which will require savvy secondary members in 2025. Johnson would likely start outside with Green and kick Lenoir into the slot if this mock draft comes to fruition.
Pro Football Network released their latest mock draft, and the 49ers addressed the safety position by selecting Malaki Starks from Georgia. Mustapha and Starks would combine to be a versatile and dynamic duo in the 49ers secondary.
The Niners’ defense needs help in the secondary. They can add one of the most versatile defensive backs in the class in Malaki Starks with their first pick in the draft.
Starks boasts impressive quickness and ball-hawking skills, as well as the frame and physicality to be an impact player in every phase of the game. His football IQ is also frequently on display when diagnosing play concepts.
Can the 49ers afford to overlook the trenches in the first round to solidify their secondary? The possibilities are limitless, and this scenario deserves consideration from the front office. One would think that with John Lynch as the General Manager, safety will be evaluated in safe hands.
What are your thoughts? Should the 49ers pull the trigger on fortifying their secondary or stick to the trenches with pick 11? Let us know in the comments!