Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Tuesday, February 11th, 2025
“Opposing defenses cannot play a steady diet of man coverage against Buffalo. If defenders are running with their backs turned, it opens huge lanes for Allen to run. He has rushed for more than 1,055 yards and 27 touchdowns over the past two seasons.”
Why 49ers have the ingredients to imitate Super Bowl-winning Eagles (paywall)
“Where the hell was this Patrick last year?” Feliciano asked on social media.
The answer: That Patrick didn’t exist in the previous year’s Super Bowl — the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime win over the 49ers — because the 49ers didn’t have a defensive line capable of making life hell for him.
A reminder from the Eagles’ 40-22 evisceration of Kansas City in Super Bowl LIX: A dominant defensive line can make even a dynastic QB look dreadful.
Tom Brady was upset in two Super Bowls to the Giants largely because New York had a relentless front that accounted for seven sacks, 17 QB hits, a safety and a forced fumble in those games. And in Mahomes’ previous Super Bowl loss before Sunday — the Chiefs’ 31-9 defeat to Tampa Bay in Super Bowl LV — the Buccaneers had a game-record 29 QB pressures.”
Chad Reuter’s mock draft: 49ers address O-line before shifting focus to defense
“Shifting inside would be a change for Banks, who played exclusively at left tackle during his three seasons with the Longhorns. However, at 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, there’s little doubt that Banks would strengthen a unit that’s often overlooked.
Next, Reuter shifts his focus to the defensive side of the ball, projecting the 49ers will strengthen defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s group with their next three picks.
Continuing with bolstering the trenches, Reuter has the 49ers selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams with the 43rd overall pick in the second round.”
PFF mock draft: 49ers trade Deebo Samuel to this AFC team, move into the top 5
“In his post-Super Bowl mock draft for Pro Football Focus, Trevor Sikkema envisions the 49ers striking a blockbuster deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his projection, Sikkema has San Francisco trading Samuel and the 11th overall pick to Jacksonville in exchange for the fifth overall selection…… [Mason] Graham (6-3, 320) earned a 91.1 overall defensive grade and a 92.6 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus in 2024, leading all collegiate interior defenders in both categories. During his standout season, he recorded a career-high 34 pressures, 3.5 sacks, and 45 tackles, including seven for a loss.
Over the past two seasons, Graham has earned defensive grades of at least 90.0. He significantly improved his tackling in 2024, raising his grade from 57.8, with six missed tackles in 2023, to 78.0, allowing only two missed tackles this past season.”