49ers' defense-oriented draft is already paying dividends in 2025

The 49ers went defense-heavy in the 2025 NFL Draft to help cover key offseason losses, and the early results are showing this could be a bedrock for a new generational defense.

It wasn't exactly a secret the San Francisco 49ers suffered a brutal blow in the gut when it came to their defensive losses heading into the 2025 NFL Draft.

Key players like defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, cornerback Charvarius Ward, linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga all left the Niners along with some important depth pieces to leave it a threadbare shell of its former self.

Read More: 49ers found an unexpected offensive hero in hard-fought win vs. Saints


San Francisco understood this and tackled the draft with a clear gameplan, with the first five picks of the draft devoted to retooling the defense for returning coordinator Robert Saleh to have something to work with.

In all, six of the 11 picks were devoted to the defensive side of the ball.

While it will take years to truly understand how well the 49ers drafted, the initial signs look very promising, if the performances in the 26-21 Week 2 defeat of the New Orleans Saints are any indication:

First-round pick Mykel Williams deserves some special mention as the bookend to Nick Bosa, a talent who can also slide inside on passing downs to provide much-needed interior pressure. It should be noted that he not once, but twice used an opposing player as a makeshift wall to force a tackle for loss for himself and a sack to Bosa:

To reiterate the videos above, two times, the rookie in his second NFL game took the player directly opposite him and turned him into a black and gold brick wall to force the Saints into a negative play.

And it shouldn't be just Williams with all the credit.

Alfred Collins has been promising in the interior as a run stuffer who's scratching the surface of what he can become, nickel back Upton Stout has show potential amidst being a Week 1 starter in the secondary, while safety Marques Sigle has had some growing pains but has the potential to be a very good safety in the league.

Not even mentioned is Nick Martin, the linebacker who had an exciting preseason after overcoming some early adversity but hasn't yet been active this season. Also, don't forget C.J. West, the other defensive tackle who has made it on the field and shown some potential.

It isn't just the defense either, of course. This draft could be very special indeed with Round 7 lineman Connor Colby about to make his first start at guard after impressing versus the Saints, while wide receiver Jordan Watkins has also flashed some interesting ability.

But speaking defensively, the early shoots from the 2025 crop are showing it could be the draft that provides a bedrock of talent to make it the next great 49ers defensive dynasty.