Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Thursday, March 27th, 2025
Insider: ‘There’s not a rush’ in 49ers-Brock Purdy contract talks
““There’s not a rush” to get a deal done. While an agreement could come before next month’s draft, the 49ers still have time to work out details before players return to the practice field after the event.”
49ers to host Bowling Green TE Harold Fannin Jr. on pre-draft visit
“Fannin’s lack of functional bend forces him on more linear tracks and cuts his route tree in half, but it doesn’t keep him from getting around the field and through the pattern with good speed. Fannin’s hands are automatic and he’s a competitive runner after the catch, but he needs to prove he can beat tight press-man coverage.”
Fannin earned a 95.9 offensive grade and a 96.4 receiving grade from Pro Football Focus last season, leading all collegiate pass-catchers. His 75.2 run-blocking grade was respectable, but his pass-blocking grade dropped significantly from 79.8 in 2023 to just 38.2 last season.
“He won’t block much, but his ability to stretch the field from the slot and make the tough catches give him a shot as a potential TE2 with upside,” Zierlein added.”
How will the 49ers use their 4 draft picks in the top 100? Here are 6 scenarios (paywall)
“Scenario B:
First round, No. 11: DE Mykel Williams, Georgia
He’s expected to be the second defensive end off the board after Penn State’s Abdul Carter. A season-long ankle injury likely sank Williams’ production — five sacks, nine tackles for loss — last season. But his size and relentlessness should serve him well in the NFL. Drafting a defensive end early could be the answer to the 49ers’ long-running musical chairs situation at the position.
Second round, No. 43: DT Darius Alexander, Toledo
Alexander allayed a lot of the small-school concerns about him at the Senior Bowl. He also excelled at the combine, running a sub-5-second 40 at 305 pounds and finishing with 28 reps on the bench press. He has the combination of size and burst that 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek is seeking.
Third round, No. 75: DT Alfred Collins, Texas
He’d be a good complement to Alexander. He has the mass — 6-6, 332 pounds — to hold his ground against double-teams and is good against the run. He finished with 27 solo tackles last season, among the best at his position.
Third round, No. 100: OT Chase Lundt, Connecticut
He’s somewhat similar to a tackle the 49ers were interested in last year, Washington’s Roger Rosengarten. Lundt is light on his feet and strong in run blocking. His 32 5/8-inch arms, however, fall well short of the 34-inch ideal at the position.”
Why Texas tackle Banks might be 49ers’ best first-round O-line bet
“Banks also met with the Miami Dolphins at the combine. Under former 49ers assistant Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins run an offense based on Kyle Shanahan’s system.
“So we run almost the same plays, the same type of scheme,” Banks said, comparing his college offense at Texas to the Dolphins’ scheme. “So it’ll be an easy fit for me just to plug and play in their offense.”
Banks finished last season as the PFF’s top-rated offensive tackle in the country. He allowed one sack, two quarterback hits and seven pressures in 538 pass-blocking snaps.
“He is nimble to adjust and pick off defenders at the second level and on the perimeter,” NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah wrote of Banks. “Some teams see him as more of a guard, but I believe he can hold up at tackle. Overall, Banks has some things to clean up, but I like his core foundation of strength and agility.”
Of course, the 49ers have a lot of other positions to consider when it is general manager John Lynch’s turn to make a selection.
The 49ers’ biggest draft need is on the defensive line, a position the 49ers likely are to address with more than one of their picks. But San Francisco would have to be convinced Banks is a game-changing player to select at No. 11.”
Four offensive tackles 49ers could target at No. 11 in 2025 NFL Draft
“Will Campbell (6-6, 319) demonstrated his athleticism at the combine.
He joined Williams, Wirfs and Membou in the elite class of 315-plus pounders to jump 30 inches or higher and run the 40 in less than 5 seconds.
His arms (32 5/8 inches) are on the short side, as some teams consider 33 inches to be the acceptable minimum. He might be best suited to play guard at the next level.
Campbell had long been considered the consensus top offensive lineman in the draft. Now, it’s 50-50 whether he or Membou will be the first to have his name called.”