The last three days have been a whirlwind. The Niners had the largest mass exodus of their roster in the Lynch/Shanahan era. With 11 picks, this year’s draft is vitally important. The following players departed this offseason:
- Javon Hargrave, Defensive Tackle
- Maliek Collins, Defensive Tackle
- Leonard Floyd, Rush End
- Deebo Samuel, Wide Reciever
- Dre Greenlaw – Linebacker
- Charvarius Ward, Cornerback
- Talanoa Hufanga, Safety
- Aaron Banks, Guard
- Elijah Mitchell, Running Back
- Jordan Mason, Running Back
- Demetrius Flannigan- Fowles – Linebacker
- Brandon Allen, Quarterback
- Joshua Dobbs, Quarterback
There are additional losses, but the aforementioned list is the most impactful losses to the team. Due to salary cap limitations, the Niners only brought in cheap free agents. The biggest names signed are Mac Jones, Demarcus Robinson and Luke Farrell (QB, WR and TE). They also signed three defensive backs, a linebacker and a long snapper.
So, the 49ers had their work cut out for them. Every pick they made must have a shot at making the roster. Unfortunately, at least one player will start the year as a medical redshirt. The following is a review of each prospect, including comments from various sources including John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan.
First Round, Pick 11: Mykel Williams, Edge Rusher, Georgia
At 6’5 265 pounds, Williams possesses the ideal frame to fill out even more. He is an elite run defender. Opposite of Nick Bosa, he will have no problem setting the edge. He has the size and quickness to line up over guard in obvious pass downs as well. Williams is versatile violent, explosive and plays thru the whistle. He fills two needs and will likely be on the roster for years to come.
John Lynch and Kyle Shannahan’s Thoughts: They picked him for his high character, physicality, versatility and strength. Admittedly, he is still a raw prospect, particularly at pass rusher. Notably, they have the right coaching staff to polish this diamond out.
Conclusion: Williams appears coachable and has the strong character and work ethic to pave the way for his success. Playing through a high ankle sprain last season says a lot about his football character as well as his intestinal fortitude.
Grade: A –
Second Round, Pick 43, Alfred Collins, Defensive Tackle, Texas
At 6’5 320 pounds, he is among the strongest defensive lineman in this draft. His strength is stuffing the run. Admittedly his pass rush needs work, but trust Coach Kris Kocurek to get the most out of him. He is violent at the point of attack and is strong enough to fight through double teams. He tends to play high at times, allowing offensive linemen to get inside him. Coach Kocurek will correct that.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s Thoughts: Huge Human Being. Measurable’s are off the charts. He can win in the pass game but still needs to develop his pass rush. Notably, he is good at batting balls down. He is a real presence in the run game.
Conclusion: Pro Football Focus gave him an 85% run defense grade. Given all his gifts and attributes, his ceiling is high, and he will be with the Niners into his second contract.
Grade: A
Third Round, Pick 75, Nickolas Martin, Linebacker, Okahoma State
Martin jumps off the screen as a run and hit linebacker. (See ball carrier, go get ball carrier.) He led the Big 12 in tackles in 2023. A knee injury hampered his 2024 campaign. His 2023 season showed his potential. Martin’s play at the Senior Bowl helped the Niners solidify their desire to pick Martin.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s Thoughts: He is a true run and hit linebacker. Two-time team Captain. Swarms to the football. Possesses long arms. He mimics Dre Greenlaw in a lot of ways.
Conclusion: He has big shoes to fill. In 2024 he was an above average pass rusher which is rare for an off the ball linebacker. Possesses desirable traits for the position, especially the way the 49ers play. I don’t believe he is a day one starter but will grow into the position over time. Coach Saleh is a linebacker coach at heart. He will get all there is to get out of Martin.
Grade: B
Third Round, Pick 100, Upton Stoutt, DB, Western Kentucky
Stoutt plays bigger than his physical size. At 5’9 182 pounds, he compares well to Kenny Moore II, one of the top tackling nickel-backs in the league. Kenny also came from a small school. Stoutt has quick feet and is a willing tackler.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s Thoughts: He has the heart of a lion. Stoutt is feisty. He has a lot of juice! He translates well to nickel.
Conclusion: It seems like a high pick to draft a player that can only play nickel. However, his attributes project well. Pro Football Focus graded his 2024 run defense at a 90%. His pass coverage is rated at 78%. It isn’t terrible, but he needs work.
Grade: C +
Fourth Round, Pick 113, CJ West, Defensive Tackle, Indiana
I really liked this pick. I thought our biggest deficit on the team was defensive line and the Niners addressed it in the 1st, 2nd and 4th round. West fills out a great defensive line class. At 6’2 320 pounds, he is a powerful run defender. His play remained remarkably consistent his three years at Indiana. He plays with high energy and he is very tough to block. West is explosive in any direction he wants to go off the line. He cuts thru gaps quickly and efficiently. CJ West is a serviceable, above average pass rusher.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s Thoughts: Stout, Sturdy, Quick. He gets to the backfield. He is very similar to DJ Jones. (Notably, DJ was taken late in the 6th round in 2017).
Conclusion: I see him as an anchor for the Niners defensive line. He should partner well with Alfred Collins. Expect both players to eat up blocks so the linebackers can feast.
Grade: A+
Fourth Round, Pick 138, Jordan Watkins, Wide Receiver, Ole Miss.
Watkins is a pure route runner. This is a welcome skill set given his blazing 4.37 40-yard dash. He is not a highly touted prospect. Pro Football Focus failed to even grade him. Notably, 254 of his 906 yards came against Arkansas. Five of his nine touchdown receptions also came against Arkansas. The Rebels leading receiver, Tre Harris sat the game out due to injury, leaving Watkins as the feature receiver and boy did he shine!
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s Thoughts: Versatile. Speed. Great Route Runner. Natural Receiver Skills. Natural Hands. Great Overall Skillset. John and Kyle are not in a hurry to rush Brandon Aiyuk back.
Conclusion: Watkins appeared to be overlooked by most pre-draft prognosticators. His teammate, Tre Harris, received a lot of love, and Tre only has 100 more yards and 11 more receptions overall last year. Watkins will be one of the surprises of the draft if what Coach Shanahan believes about Watkins comes true. I think his performance against Arkansas is a good indicator of his overall potential. If Purdy can trust him to be where he is supposed to be in the route tree, then he will be great.
Grade: B
Fifth Round, Pick 147, Jordan James, Running Back, Oregon
James is one of best pure runners of the ball in this draft. Though he does not possess elite speed, he produces. He is an incredibly efficient runner. He knows how to find the yards. At 5’10 210 bounds, he is a compact, yet elusive runner. He rarely seems to go down at first contact. Much like Frank Gore, he finds a way to just get yards.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s Thoughts: They are fired up about Jordan. Frank Gore endorses the pick. Given that this was a very strong running back class, they knew they could wait and find the right back to fit their system. Jordan is a powerful back. Great burst despite a lack of elite speed. He is a physical runner. He knows the route tree and has soft hands.
Conclusion: With the departure of Mason and Mitchell, a running back is needed. Jordan will make the roster and will be a fine rotational player to spell McCaffrey and Guerendo.
Grade: B
Fifth Round, Pick 160, Marques Sigle, Safety, Kansas State
If anyone knows how to find a good safety, its John Lynch. Sigle possesses elite speed and has elite range on the football field. He is an excellent in the box safety and rarely misses a tackle. He comes from a 4-2-5, giving him versatility in his coverage and run defense responsibilities.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s Thoughts: John Lynch thinks he is awesome. He calls him a bowlegged safety. They view him as a potential nickel player, but they acknowledge his versatility. He ran a 4.32 40. He is a good tackler. They noted how much ground he can cover on the field in a hurry. He takes the fight to the ball carrier and the receiver. Overall, he is just a good fit.
Conclusion: It is puzzling why the Niners would consider taking two nickel-backs in this draft. I don’t think the Niners want folks to know how they really see Sigle. He is likely going to be considered a safety and will compete for the nickel-back position. Either he or Stoutt will be a core special teams’ player. I like his versatility, speed and big game experience over Stoutt.
Grade: B +
Seventh Round, Pick 227, Kurtis Rourke, Quarterback, Indiana
This is a medical redshirt. Rourke possessed the mental and physical toughness to play a full season on a torn ACL. His detractors state he lacks arm strength. Quarterbacks drive the ball using their lower bodies, yet this young man was able to throw for 3042 yards, and 29 touchdowns in the competitive Big 10. His touch throws are elite. His ball placement is great, and his accuracy is overall good. Standing at 6’5 223 pounds, he possesses the desirable measurable’s for the position.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s Thoughts: He displayed toughness, playing a whole year with a partially torn ACL. They admit he is unlikely to be cleared by training camp.
Conclusion: While the prospect is interesting and displays desirable traits, I think this pick should have been used on a player who has a shot at making the roster this year.
Grade: F. I personally don’t like drafting medical redshirts. The Niners have a poor track record with this tactic over the years. He may turn out to be a great prospect but the Niners need players to play now.
Seventh Round, Pick 248, Connor Colby, Guard, Iowa
Colby is the prototypical guard for the outside zone run system the Niners like to execute. To find the seventh ranked guard this late in the draft is a gift. Yet, it also shows how weak this year’s guard class really is. Colby’s strength is zone run blocking. At 6’6, 310 pounds, he plays with a mean streak. He has earned all-Big Ten honors twice and was a first team selection in 2024. Unfortunately, he struggles in pass blocking. This is a rugged offensive lineman who will likely be with the Niners for years to come so long as he develops in the pass game.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s Thoughts: They stayed true to their board. They were adamant about not reaching for an offensive lineman. He is a great scheme fit for the outside zone run game.
Conclusion: Colby is the perfect example on why you don’t reach for a position. This whole draft is littered with teams reaching for positions. Colby will need to improve his pass blocking in order for him to be a consistent starter. For now, this is an excellent developmental player who can plug and play in the run game day one if required.
Grade: A
Seventh Round, Pick 252, Junior Bergen, Wide Reciever, Montana
This is a puzzling pick given the offensive lineman still available to draft. Prognosticators didn’t expect Bergen to be drafted. His claim to fame is eight career punt returns for touchdowns, tying an NCAA FCS record.
John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s Thoughts: He was drafted to be a returner. They will see how he does at receiver. The special teams coaching staff pushed to have this player drafted.
Conclusion: He is the biggest unknown on the roster. It is unclear how his return skills will translate to the NFL.
Grade: D. I am not confident he makes the roster merely to be a kick/punt returner. He will have to show something more.
Final Thoughts: Many fans wanted the Niners to pick offensive lineman higher in the draft. Unfortunately, this draft did not feature many offensive linemen that were worthy of picks in the higher rounds. The Niners opted not to overvalue a potential need for the roster.
I suspect they made this decision in part because four out of five of their offensive linemen are in the top 50% in the league at their position. In fact, Trent Williams and Dominic Puni rate in the top ten percent in their prospective positions. The value in this draft was at defensive line, wide receiver, running back and defensive back. It is a small wonder that is where the 49ers chose to focus their draft. Yet, they still managed to find a guard that fits perfectly in their scheme. Incidentally, he will likely compete for the starting position.
Overall, the 49ers addressed the free agency departures. Except for Rourke and Bergen, the rest of this draft class should make the team. It will be fun to watch these players develop over the next few years.
