The San Francisco 49ers are a team perpetually expected to compete for Super Bowls, but some comically bad luck with regard to injuries last season knocked them out of the postseason picture. With the NFC having improved around them, Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch need to reload quickly.
The 49ers have to rebuild their secondary and defensive lines after losing many of their best starters in free agency. The offensive line not only saw Aaron Banks bolt in free agency, but they are also lacking in viable Trent Williams replacement candidates.
Things might get very uncomfortable for this regime if the 2025 season is just as rancid as 2024 was. The best way to avoid that is to take advantage of the 11 different picks that Lynch has acquired in this process and follow this 7-round 2025 NFL Mock Draft as closely as possible.
San Francisco 49ers 7-round NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 11: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
The San Francisco secondary took some major hits this offseason, as corner Charvarius Ward and safety Talanoa Hufanga left for two equestrian-related teams in the Colts and Broncos, respectively. Johnson, when healthy, is close to a no-doubt starter as one could hope to see in an outside cornerback.
Johnson is a smart player with exceptional ball skills, and he has more pick-sixes in college than touchdowns allowed. Replacing Ward is a very tough task, but Johnson seems like someone who can step right in and immediately put up similar production against pro receivers.
Round 2, Pick 43: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
If the 49ers want to kick Ersery inside to replace Banks, his average athletic ability and tremendous raw power suggest he could be a perfect interior road-grader. However, Ersery might have more potential at either tackle spot, either as a Colton McKivitz upgrade or Williams' replacement.
Ersery, who may have performed the best of any offensive tackle against Abdul Carter this year, could learn from Williams and refine his technique before eventually taking over a starting role. At 6-6 and 330 pounds, it's not unreasonable to expect him to eventually challenge for Pro Bowl nods.
Round 3, Pick 75: Kyle Kennard, EDGE, South Carolina
The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Kennard doesn't have the speed one would expect from someone who could play at under 250 pounds. However, he has consistently beaten future professional tackles thanks to his deep pass rush move set and knowledge of the game, which could appeal to the 49ers.
Round 3, Pick 100: RJ Harvey, RB, UCF
Harvey is the winner of the 49ers' seemingly annual "Pick a running back late in the third round" competition. While undersized, Harvey flies out of the backfield like he was shot out of a revolver, and his elite quickness in the open field makes him one of the toughest players in this class to tackle.
Round 4, Pick 113: CJ West, DT, Indiana
West might be the best pass-rushing defensive tackle of any Day 3 player out there. Even with shorter arms, West fires off the snap and consistently disrupts plays in the backfield. By the end of the year, West may end up muscling into the starting lineup for the 49ers.
Round 4, Pick 138: Miles Frazier, IOL, LSU
Frazier is one of the best pass-protecting guards in this class, as he did not allow a sack in his final 20 games in college. Starting from that baseline, a 49ers offensive line that is still reeling from Banks bolting in free agency could prioritize a player with Frazier's pedigree.
Round 5, Pick 147: Antwuan Powell-Ryland, EDGE, Virginia Tech
This is yet another case of San Francisco overlooking some below-average measurables in favor of production, as Powell-Ryland has recorded 25.5 sacks over his two seasons with the Hokies. Like Kennard, the third-team All-American can win pass rush reps without relying on athletic ability alone.
Round 5, Pick 160: Jay Higgins, LB, Iowa
In addition to Ward, Hufanga, and Leonard Floyd all parting with the team, Dre Greenlaw saw fit to join the Denver Broncos. While smaller, Higgins is a high-end coverage linebacker with some truly terrific tackling ability. Higgins could be a special teams star instantly while helping on passing downs.
Round 7, Pick 227: Caden Prieskorn, TE, Ole Miss
One of the more unusual combine snubs after emerging as one of Jaxson Dart's favorite targets this season, Prieskorn is a former high school quarterback who shows off excellent hands and athletic ability. Why not try to land a George Kittle backup here?
Round 7, Pick 249: Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana
Rourke would have gone much higher had revelations about a knee injury in college not come up in recent weeks. A 6-5 quarterback with a big arm and the ability to avoid turnovers, Rourke's lack of elite mobility could help him slide right into San Francisco's range.
Round 7, Pick 252: Roc Taylor, WR, Memphis
Every bit of 6-3 and 215 pounds, Taylor's style of play is not too dissimilar from a receiver in Jauan Jennings that Shanahan has since molded into a quality starter. As Jennings' price tag and status increases, Taylor could fill in the gaps.