Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Wednesday, April 23rd, 2025
“San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke with reporters as the team prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft. Here is everything he said.”
Why Lynch, 49ers won’t limit NFL draft picks to positions of need
“The 49ers’ most-obvious needs are at defensive tackle and defensive end. They could use help throughout their roster, including offensive line, linebacker and defensive back.
But Lynch indicated that the 49ers’ list of possible positions for the first round is wide open.”
Brock Purdy at 49ers’ offseason workouts, George Kittle is not
“While Kittle has told ESPN he would like to sign an extension that would allow him to retire as a Niner, it’s not unusual for veterans such as him to miss this portion of the offseason program, especially since it is voluntary.
Lynch said it’s too soon to know if Kittle will report when the Niners get into the more team-centric on-field work of OTAs.”
49ers NFL Draft big board: 60 players to consider in rounds 1-7, including 1 QB (paywall)
“Fannin, who took an official visit to Santa Clara, set single-season records for tight ends last season with 117 catches and 1,555 yards. Kyle Shanahan might be eying him the way he once did Jordan Reed, who had 952 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns for Washington in 2015.”
49ers could add to wide receiver corps in NFL draft after an odd dance with Aiyuk (paywall)
“The 49ers have reportedly hosted Washington State’s Kyle Williams and Mississippi’s Jordan Watkins on pre-draft visits. Williams is projected to be a mid-round pick and Watkins will likely be a late-round selection.
If the 49ers wait, Watkins (5-foot-11, 196 pounds) is an intriguing possibility given his speed. His 40-yard dash time (4.37 seconds) matched the sixth fastest among wideouts at the combine after he became the only FBS player with five catches of 60-plus yards last year and averaged 18.5 yards on 49 receptions.
Williams (5-11, 190) is just a tick slower (40-yard dash: 4.40 seconds) and was also prolific when it came to big plays last season, grabbing 58.3% of throws that traveled more than 20 yards downfield. Williams had 70 catches for 1,198 yards and ranked fourth in FBS with 14 receiving touchdowns.”
Christian McCaffrey: ‘Zero restrictions’ after injury-marred 2024
“On Tuesday, McCaffrey said the knee began feeling fully healed early in the offseason.
“It went by pretty quickly,” McCaffrey said. “I don’t remember the exact date, but I got to a point pretty early in the offseason when I was training full speed ready to go.”