49ers grab high-profile cornerback first in this 7-round mock NFL Draft

While the 49ers could address the line of scrimmage early in the 2025 NFL Draft, this seven-round mock has them upgrading the secondary first.

The San Francisco 49ers need to upgrade their offensive and defensive lines this offseason.

The good thing is the 2025 NFL Draft is pretty deep at both spots, giving general manager John Lynch and Co. plenty of opportunities to use their crop of picks this April to reinforce both sides of the ball.

That said, a general consensus about this year's draft class is it's rather pedestrian. As ESPN's Adam Schefter pointed out, there's not much of a difference between prospects selected after the top 10 in comparison to the names who'll be called early in Round 2:

Additionally, the draft has its weak spots. It's not a great year for wide receivers but is for tight ends.

Considering the Niners' needs, it wouldn't be surprising to see the No. 11 overall pick earmarked for an offensive or defensive linemen. Given the depth of those two positions, though, perhaps it's best for San Francisco to delay addressing those spots and focus on other needs in Round 1.

That's what this seven-round mock attempts to accomplish, using Pro Football Focus' mock widget in the process.

49ers kick off 2025 NFL Draft by selecting a cornerback

Round 1, No. 11 overall: CB Will Johnson, Michigan

Piggybacking on a recent mock done by ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr., the 49ers indeed delay their O- and D-line needs by grabbing Michigan cornerback Will Johnson with their first pick.

Johnson is viewed as one of the top two defensive backs in this year's class, and the playmaking defensive back could be a prospect for whom defensive coordinator Robert Saleh pounds the table early.

Pairing with incumbent corners like Renardo Green and Deommodore Lenoir, adding Johnson would solidify the Niners' defensive backfield for years and alleviate the impending free-agent loss of veteran cornerback Charvarius Ward.

Round 1, No. 31 overall (from Chiefs): DT Darius Alexander, Toledo

49ers send pick Nos. 43, 139 and 232 overall to acquire No. 31 overall

The idea of trading back into Round 1 might not necessarily be for a specific player, rather to have the ability to use a fifth-year option on a first-round choice, especially if that player pans out.

That's what San Francisco does here, and in the process, it lands a fringe first-rounder in Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander, whose run-stuffing 6-foot-4 and 310-pound frame can help solve the run-defense woes experienced in the wake of now-Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead's departure a year ago.

Alexander isn't just a run defender either. He has a disruptive presence on the interior, and his pass-rush skills are notable.

Round 3, No. 75 overall: LB Chris Paul Jr., Mississippi

The 49ers' linebacker depth behind All-Pro Fred Warner was sorely lacking last season, and Dre Greenlaw's near season-long injury absence only highlighted the need to beef up the depth chart here.

Greenlaw, a pending free agent, may not return either, which prompts the Niners to use an early-ish draft asset to find a would-be replacement.

Despite a smallish 6-foot-1 frame, Ole Miss' Chris Paul Jr. is Greenlaw-esque in coverage and makes up for his lack of size with excellent athleticism.

Round 3, No. 99 overall (compensatory): OT Charles Grant, William & Mary

A small-school prospect who boosted his draft stock leading up to the Senior Bowl, offensive tackle Charles Grant is a riser, who at the very least, could compete for a starting right tackle job with the incumbent, Colton McKivitz.

In a best-case scenario, Grant could be the long-term option to replace future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams, even though the 36 year old has every indication of playing in 2025.

Round 4, No. 112 overall: TE Terrance Ferguson, Oregon

It'd be a shock for San Francisco not to take advantage of this year's tight end class, considering its talent and depth, as well as the seemingly yearly attempts to pair a good No. 2 option with the All-Pro, George Kittle.

Oregon's Terrance Ferguson is a red-zone threat with his 6-foot-5, 255-pound frame.

While his route tree is limited, Ferguson nevertheless is a quality blocker and pass catcher, making him an ideal candidate to support Kittle on the depth chart.

Round 4, No. 138 overall (compensatory): DE Tyler Baron, Miami

The 49ers' outside pass-rush depth is lacking behind Nick Bosa, Leonard Floyd and Yetur-Gross Matos, so finding a developmental prospect with some upside would be a good idea early on day three of the draft.

Miami's Tyler Baron is a prospect to watch here, as his 6-foot-4 frame is built to handle the edge.

Not a great athlete, Baron's shortcomings are mostly coachable, meaning he might be a solid rotational piece within a year or two's time, someone who can help make up for previous draft failures like Drake Jackson and Robert Beal Jr.

Round 6, No. 188 overall: OL Jake Majors, Texas

The Niners could stand for an upgrade over veteran center Jake Brendel. While they historically have preferred experience here over youthful promise, it's not as if a would-be selection of Texas' Jake Majors would shake up the starting lineup right away.

Majors, despite being neither flashy in pass protection or run support, nevertheless moves well and has a great football IQ.

That'll bode well for his long-term development toward potentially being Brendel's replacement.

Round 7, No. 228 overall: DB Malachi Moore, Alabama

San Francisco is likely to bid farewell to All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga this offseason. Combined with two-year pro Ji'Ayir Brown's regression in 2024, about the only safe asset at safety entering 2025 is Malik Mustapha.

Brown could bounce back, yes. But grabbing a solid back-end safety like Alabama's Malachi Moore can help.

Moore isn't quite adept at in-the-box work, but his range is effective. And he might be a good fit if Saleh opts to use more Cover 3 single-high defensive formations.

Round 7, No. 255 overall (compensatory): WR Kyren Lacy, LSU

The 49ers are likely to honor Deebo Samuel's wish for a fresh start in 2025, meaning the wide receiver room is going to be thinned out considerably, especially if fellow receiver Brandon Aiyuk isn't 100 percent after tearing his ACL and MCL last season.

Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall aren't exactly ideal No. 1 options on a depth chart, but that's not the only problem. The Niners need to add to the back end, too.

LSU's Kyren Lacy is a versatile, big-bodied receiver who can line up at a number of spots. At 6-foot-2, he can create separation and win contested catches, although drops and consistency are issues.

He wouldn't have to be a go-to focal point, though, which is good for him.

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