The San Francisco 49ers will draft a new crop of players later this month. We at Niner Noise have already cranked out some creative mock drafts, such as an SEC-only one and one in which the Ninersonly select edge rushers.
Let’s take a crack at another unique one, this time only drafting players who are coming into the draft from California schools.
Round 1, Pick 27: CB Chris Johnson, San Diego State
This would come a bit out of left field.
Most analysts believe the 49ers will take an edge rusher, offensive lineman, or wide receiver in Round 1, but maybe addressing the secondary wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Johnson had four interceptions last season for the Aztecs, inflicting two pick-sixes. He graded out well at the combine and is seen as one of the top cornerbacks in the draft.
Cornerback may not seem like a major need with Deommodore Lenoir and Upton Stout there, but Renardo Green could definitely use some competition.
Round 2, Pick 58: S Kamari Ramsey, USC
Doubling down on the secondary. The Niners have had pretty good luck drafting defensive backs from USC over the years. Obviously, drafting Ronnie Lott was one of the best decisions in the history of the franchise, but Talanoa Hufanga was a very solid player for San Francisco and his presence is missed.
The 49ers got very spotty play from their safeties last season, so Ramsey could be a nice addition to the mix. In his best season with the Trojans in 2024, he had two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two sacks, and recorded 60 tackles.
Round 4, Pick 127: CB Hezekiah Masses, Cal
This is quickly turning into a secondary-only draft, but Masses would not be a bad pick at all if he is available in the fourth round. He had five interceptions for Cal last season, so he’d be a welcome addition to the cornerback room.
Round 4, Pick 133: S Bishop Fitzgerald, USC
Why draft one safety out of USC when you can draft two? At least one of them has to be good, right?
Fitzgerald had five interceptions last season for USC and took one of them to the house. The Niners could use that sort of explosive play maker in the secondary.
Round 4, Pick 138: DL Korey Foreman, Fresno State
Okay, finally a break from the secondary.
Foreman started his collegiate career at USC but ended it at Fresno State. He recorded 8.5 sacks in his collegiate career, so maybe he’d be a solid piece to have on the defensive line.
Round 4, Pick 139: RB LJ Johnson Jr., Cal
The running back only played his final collegiate season at Cal and had just 117 rushing yards. Maybe he could be a depth piece on the roster, although he will almost certainly go undrafted.
The draft class is not especially deep for California school products, and something tells me the Niners won’t go cornerback, safety, cornerback, safety with their first four picks, but maybe one of those first four players could make sense for San Francisco in the draft.