What is the 49ers best draft strategy in 2025?
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in San Francisco 49ers fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
We are less than 30 days from the NFL draft, and the 49ers will be on the clock with pick 11. Or will they? The 49ers have several options to consider with their first-round pick. On the one hand, the 6-11 2024 season netted the team a high-end first-round pick, but on the other, if the 49ers’ big board doesn’t reflect player value with the 11th pick, the team could opt for more bites of the apple with a trade down. Or if the 49ers covet an impact player could get aggressive and move up from number 11.
What should the 49ers do with the 11th pick in the draft?
Trade Up
While the teams’ message has been to stockpile picks and rebuild, retool, restock, or whatever “r-word” you prefer, the 49ers could be aggressive and target their player. A perfect world scenario is three quarterbacks (yeah, I guess Jaxson Dart?) are selected in the top eight, leaving blue chip players on the board amidst the chaos. While that is an unlikely scenario, the second-best scenario is that a team opts for RB Ashton Jeanty (Raiders?) in the top eight, which is possible, but not likely.
Armed with 11 picks, the team should have sufficient ammo to move up a few spots. Four of the 11 picks are in the top 100, and including pick 113, five picks in the top 115. If a player slips due to other teams addressing needs over value, then the team should get their guy provided the price is right.
Trade Down
Mock drafts are imperfect, and draft day brings surprises and twists, especially on day one. If the 49ers play the board and a player or players not valued by their evaluators are coveted by other teams with a chance to strike proper value for another player a few spots down, then adding extra picks and getting a player who can contribute immediately might be the correct move.
One could argue that getting your player at the pick you own regardless of value is the correct move, but shrewd maneuvering combined with calculated risk could net two players that can impact the 49ers in 2025. Trading down is a roll of the dice since teams can jump in front of you for a player you covet.
Stand Pat at Pick 11
Best player available over drafting for team needs in the first round is the optimal draft approach. Recognizing the value and the correct draft position for team needs isn’t a perfect science, but there are plenty of examples of teams addressing a need with a player who could be drafted later.
A dream scenario at pick 11 would be DT Mason Graham from Michigan. I believe the 49ers run the card to the podium in this instance. OT Will Campbell and Kelvin Banks could be available, but if the 49ers aren’t as high on either player, will they pull the trigger based on the best player available?
Ultimately, the 49ers’ big board will dictate how the team operates on draft night. Is pick 11 too high for the consensus LB1 Jihaad Campbell? Could the 49ers move a few spots down and net another pick and land Campbell to pair with Fred Warner to replace Dre Greenlaw? If Mason Graham is within striking distance, will the 49ers move up for their guy? Or will the 49ers play the board, select the best player remaining, and take their chances with their ten other picks?
What do you think the 49ers’ strategy should be with pick 11? Vote on the poll, and we’ll reveal the results on Friday. Let us know in the comments which strategy you’re on board with!