Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Wednesday, April 16th, 2025
49ers need running back depth. Could they pick a Deebo Samuel replacement? (paywall)
“That brings us to SMU’s Brashard Smith, a converted wide receiver who ran a swift 40-yard dash (4.39 seconds) at the combine and was the only FBS player to have at least 1,300 yards rushing, 300 yards receiving and 300 yards in kickoff returns in 2024. After three seasons as a wide receiver at Miami, Smith transferred to SMU, moved to running back and ranked fourth in FBS in all-purpose yards (1,977) while catching 39 passes.”
Baldy: 49ers should draft Will Campbell if he slips to No. 11
“If Will Campbell from LSU somehow slips to number 11, the 49ers have got to consider this left tackle,” Baldinger said via 95.7 The Game. “He’s been the starting left tackle now at LSU for three years in a row. He’s gone up against [former Alabama and current Texans DE] Will Anderson Jr., he’s gone up against [former Florida State and current Rams edge] Jared Verse. He’s gone up against the best of the best.
“Now, he’s 6-6, he’s 319 pounds. He ran a 4.98 [40-yard dash]—very fast for a guy that size. His knock right now is that his arms aren’t quite 33 inches, but he wins with his feet, and he’s got anvils for hands. And you just watch him, he’s got a great short jab. And once he locks on to guys, he just stays on his feet, and he can anchor with the best of them right now. A lot of great tape on Will Campbell.”
49ers hold pre-draft interview with 6-foot-5 Virginia Tech wideout
“Height, weight, speed prospect whose production suffered from scheme fit and quarterback play in 2024,” Zierlein wrote in his NFL.com scouting report. “Felton is a linear mover who needs to be used with a heavier dose of vertical routes to be effective. He’s a nonchalant route runner underneath with below-average hands and run-after-catch talent. While his ball-tracking fails to stand out, he can out-stride and uncover against wide corners looking to run with his post and go routes.
“The 2024 production was disappointing, but there will be teams ready to believe in the speed and measurables with the hope he can become a rotational option to take the top off of coverages.”
“In addition to his on-field workout, the team conducted a separate virtual interview with the standout defender, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.”
Why Yates believes DT Nolen makes sense for 49ers at pick No. 11
“He is a destroyer,” Yates said of Nolen. “He just completely overwhelms interior offensive linemen with his strength and with his explosiveness. He is a play-wrecker. He is a havoc-causer. He is an interior pass-rusher.”
Nickel backs 49ers could target in mid-to-late rounds of NFL draft
“The 49ers had a visit with Quincy Riley, who had eight interceptions in three seasons at Louisville. Riley (5-foot-11, 194 pounds) broke up 25 passes over his final two seasons.
“He has really, really good ball skills,” Yates said. “This guy is made to make life uncomfortable at the catch point.”
Kansas defensive back Mello Dotson (6-1, 192) had 12 interceptions, including four pick-sixes, in his four full seasons.
Last season, Lenoir moved inside to cover the slot receiver in nickel situations. If the 49ers were to select a player, such as Dotson, it would allow Lenoir to play on the outside on all downs.
“He’s a good example of a player who fits into that category,” Yates said of Dotson. “This guy was just a football finder.”
Kansas State defensive back Jacob Parrish (5-10, 191) could be the first of the true nickel backs to be chosen. Yates said he anticipates Parrish could hear his name called early in the third round. He intercepted four passes in 2023 but managed just one takeaway last season.
“He didn’t have great ball production this past year but has good feisty ball skills,” Yates said.
Tulane’s do-everything Caleb Ransaw (5-11, 197) has “nickel chops,” Yates said. Ransaw lined up at cornerback and safety, and was also used on occasion as an edge rusher and outside linebacker.”