The San Francisco 49ers have endured an incredibly disappointing season. The defending NFC champions are 6-9 entering Week 17 and have already been eliminated from postseason contention. They're currently slated to own the No. 11 overall selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan will expect to quickly reload this offseason to return to contention status next season. Quarterback Brock Purdy is expected to sign a lucrative extension, so using the draft to effectively build a younger, cheaper roster is imperative to future success. We've conducted a seven-round mock draft that helps the 49ers achieve that goal.
Round 1 (No. 11 overall): Kelvin Banks Jr., OT, Texas
Veteran left tackle Trent Williams has battled consistent injuries this season. Father Time appears to be catching up to the 11-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer. Williams could consider retirement this offseason as he's slated to turn 37 before the 2025 campaign begins. If the 49ers are targeting a premium replacement, Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr. is an athletic blocker with lateral range and agility. If a vacancy doesn't open at left tackle, Banks Jr. is versatile enough to play guard, another OL-based position the 49ers have a hole at.
Round 2 (No. 43 overall): J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
Nick Bosa has battled recurring injuries this season and won't be in his prime much longer. The aging Leonard Floyd actually leads the 49ers in sacks this season with 8.5. The Drake Jackson pick hasn't worked out, forcing John Lynch to further address the EDGE spot this offseason. J.T. Tuimoloau is a technically advanced prospect with three-down potential. Tuimoloau is a physical run-down defender.
Round 3 (No. 75 overall): Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Charvarius Ward is among three 49ers cornerbacks playing on an expiring contract this season. Even if Ward is re-signed, better depth will still be required. Louisville's Quincy Riley is an experienced corner with 15 career interceptions and 34 pass breakups. Riley possesses terrific instincts with a high-level understanding of zone coverage approaches.
Round 3 (No. 100 overall): Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State
Linebacker is a big-time offseason need. Dre Greenlaw is scheduled for free agency and De'Vondre Campbell was recently suspended for quitting on the team mid-game. It's safe to say Campbell won't be back in 2025. Nick Martin could step in and contribute immediately. Martin is an electric athlete with sideline-to-sideline capabilities.
Round 4 (No. 112 overall): Chase Lundt, OL, UConn
The 49ers should address the offensive line by investing multiple selections into that overall position group. With Aaron Banks nursing an injury at left guard, 2022 sixth-round pick Nick Zakelj has been starting. Banks hasn't been a consistent enough performer to be handed the starting gig next offseason without facing competition. Dominick Puni has been a nice find at right guard. Drafting Chase Lundt from UConn, who I expect to make the transition from college tackle to pro guard, would help improve the overall makeup.
Round 4 (No. 137 overall): Aeneas Peebles, DT, Virginia Tech
Aeneas Peebles may be docked points throughout the pre-draft process for being undersized (listed at 6-foot-1, 290 pounds), but he's been an incredibly productive, energetic defender. Between his time at Duke and Virginia Tech, Peebles has totaled 118 career tackles and 12.0 sacks. With Javon Hargrave on IR, the 49ers have been unimpressive up the middle of their defense. Hargrave's absence has exposed a need for more quality.
Round 6 (No. 186 overall): Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech
The 49ers appreciate blocking tight ends and Jackson Hawes is the best one in this class. He'll impress all 32 teams with his advanced in-line skill set at this year's Senior Bowl. Backup TE Eric Saubert is slated for free agency. Hawes would compete for playing time alongside George Kittle next season.
Round 7 (No. 223 overall): Jaydn Ott, RB, Cal
The 49ers love investing picks in running backs. Jordan Mason is a restricted free agent this summer, meaning he'll likely be in another contract year next season. Elijah Mitchell is also slated to play elsewhere in 2025. Though Isaac Guerendo has been effective as a rookie, Lynch and Shanahan may opt for more protection behind Christian McCaffrey considering the injury-riddled campaign he's experienced. An injury prevented Jaydn Ott from meeting full expectations this year, but he remains a highly explosive ball-carrier with untapped upside.
Round 7 (No. 231 overall): Craig Woodson, DB, Cal
Defensive back depth with special teams capability makes for nice day-three additions. Cal's Craig Woodson will check a bunch of boxes. Woodson is versatile and productive with 245 career tackles under his belt.
