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The first couple of free agency waves are over and the San Francisco 49ers have seen more players going than coming.
Even their additions haven't been major, and it leaves their biggest NFL draft needs in a relatively similar order to what they were prior to free agency. Now that the 49ers have at least some free agency moves out of the way, it's time to reassess what their needs are heading into the 2025 NFL draft.
This year's draft will be especially important now that the 49ers have put so much of their Super Bowl hopes into their 2025 crop of draft picks.
Here's what their top draft needs look like:
If there was a more obvious need at defensive tackle or defensive end we would have split the two positions, but the 49ers need help up and down their defensive front. It's Nick Bosa and a bunch of question marks in the starting group. It wouldn't be a surprise if the 49ers use three or four picks on defensive linemen.
There is an opening starting cornerback job on the 49ers' roster with no surefire replacement on the roster. Tre Brown and Jason Pinnock both signed in free agency, and Tre Tomlinson was claimed off waivers by the 49ers before free agency began. If a quality CB falls to San Francisco early in the draft, they shouldn't hesitate to jump at the opportunity to select him.
There are different needs at different spots on the OL for San Francisco. They need to find a long-term replacement for Trent Williams, especially if that player either provides an upgrade at right tackle or can start at left guard in the meantime. An upgrade at center would also be helpful for the 49ers.
A fully healthy WR room would push this down the list, but the 49ers have a ton of question marks at the position. Brandon Aiyuk's knee injury looms the largest since there's no recovery timeline for him yet. Ricky Pearsall dealt with injuries in his first training camp before being shot through the chest in a robbery attempt before the start of the season. He's also a question mark entering his second season. The same goes for second-year WR Jacob Cowing who was far less effective as a rookie than Pearsall. Free agent addition Demarcus Robinson should help their depth, but he's best suited as a third or fourth WR. With Jauan Jennings entering the final year of his contract, a player who can help this year and in the future would be a nice add for the 49ers.
There's an argument to be made that the Luke Farrell signing means he's cemented as the TE2 and the need can be pushed down. However, the 49ers need to find a long-term replacement for Kittle, and finding a second pass-catching TE should still be relatively high on San Francisco's priority list. Farrell hasn't been an effective weapon in the passing game as a pro. If there's a quality receiving TE for the taking in the draft, they should jump at the chance to bring him to the Bay Area.
The 49ers may not believe their need at linebacker is very significant. They have young players like Dee Winters, Tatum Bethune and Jalen Graham on the roster. They also brought in Luke Gifford in free agency, although he's primarily been a special teams player in his career. Perhaps the 49ers believe their next starting Will LB is in that group. Another draft pick getting in the mix wouldn't hurt.
If health was guaranteed, the 49ers would have no need for another RB. Injuries hit their RB room hard last season though and it culminated in Patrick Taylor getting significant snaps in the season finale. Taylor re-signed, but adding another RB through the draft would be helpful for their depth. It would also give them an opportunity to find a quality long-term option.
The addition of free agent Richie Grant gives the 49ers some depth behind Malik Mustapha and Ji'Ayir Brown. Free agent signee Jason Pinnock can also play safety. It may be time for the 49ers to look for another long-term option with Ji'Ayir Brown heading into Year 3 and no guarantee he'll be ready to start. A player who can potentially start this year with upside for 2026 and beyond would be a worthwhile draft choice.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers NFL draft needs after 1st wave of free agent signings
Continue reading...
Even their additions haven't been major, and it leaves their biggest NFL draft needs in a relatively similar order to what they were prior to free agency. Now that the 49ers have at least some free agency moves out of the way, it's time to reassess what their needs are heading into the 2025 NFL draft.
This year's draft will be especially important now that the 49ers have put so much of their Super Bowl hopes into their 2025 crop of draft picks.
Here's what their top draft needs look like:
1. Defensive line
If there was a more obvious need at defensive tackle or defensive end we would have split the two positions, but the 49ers need help up and down their defensive front. It's Nick Bosa and a bunch of question marks in the starting group. It wouldn't be a surprise if the 49ers use three or four picks on defensive linemen.
2. Cornerback
There is an opening starting cornerback job on the 49ers' roster with no surefire replacement on the roster. Tre Brown and Jason Pinnock both signed in free agency, and Tre Tomlinson was claimed off waivers by the 49ers before free agency began. If a quality CB falls to San Francisco early in the draft, they shouldn't hesitate to jump at the opportunity to select him.
3. Offensive line
There are different needs at different spots on the OL for San Francisco. They need to find a long-term replacement for Trent Williams, especially if that player either provides an upgrade at right tackle or can start at left guard in the meantime. An upgrade at center would also be helpful for the 49ers.
4. Wide receiver
A fully healthy WR room would push this down the list, but the 49ers have a ton of question marks at the position. Brandon Aiyuk's knee injury looms the largest since there's no recovery timeline for him yet. Ricky Pearsall dealt with injuries in his first training camp before being shot through the chest in a robbery attempt before the start of the season. He's also a question mark entering his second season. The same goes for second-year WR Jacob Cowing who was far less effective as a rookie than Pearsall. Free agent addition Demarcus Robinson should help their depth, but he's best suited as a third or fourth WR. With Jauan Jennings entering the final year of his contract, a player who can help this year and in the future would be a nice add for the 49ers.
5. Tight end
There's an argument to be made that the Luke Farrell signing means he's cemented as the TE2 and the need can be pushed down. However, the 49ers need to find a long-term replacement for Kittle, and finding a second pass-catching TE should still be relatively high on San Francisco's priority list. Farrell hasn't been an effective weapon in the passing game as a pro. If there's a quality receiving TE for the taking in the draft, they should jump at the chance to bring him to the Bay Area.
6. Linebacker
The 49ers may not believe their need at linebacker is very significant. They have young players like Dee Winters, Tatum Bethune and Jalen Graham on the roster. They also brought in Luke Gifford in free agency, although he's primarily been a special teams player in his career. Perhaps the 49ers believe their next starting Will LB is in that group. Another draft pick getting in the mix wouldn't hurt.
7. Running back
If health was guaranteed, the 49ers would have no need for another RB. Injuries hit their RB room hard last season though and it culminated in Patrick Taylor getting significant snaps in the season finale. Taylor re-signed, but adding another RB through the draft would be helpful for their depth. It would also give them an opportunity to find a quality long-term option.
8. Safety
The addition of free agent Richie Grant gives the 49ers some depth behind Malik Mustapha and Ji'Ayir Brown. Free agent signee Jason Pinnock can also play safety. It may be time for the 49ers to look for another long-term option with Ji'Ayir Brown heading into Year 3 and no guarantee he'll be ready to start. A player who can potentially start this year with upside for 2026 and beyond would be a worthwhile draft choice.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers NFL draft needs after 1st wave of free agent signings
Continue reading...
