The San Francisco 49ers have the ability to compete for a Super Bowl in 2025, but they won't reach their full potential unless they come out of April's NFL Draft with a few players who can be long-term starters.
It was obvious to anyone who watched the Niners at all last season that they were lacking in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Even the best efforts of flashy stars like tight end George Kittle weren't enough to overcome those holes.
Kittle wants the team to build themselves from the ball out this year, even outlining what he would do in an interview. Kittle believes the Philadelphia Eagles' formula for success is what this team needs to be successful in 2025 and beyond.
"If the Super Bowl showed anything, if you have a really good offensive line and a really good defensive line, it doesn't matter what the other team has,” Kittle said, via USA Today. “So if your offensive line is dominant, and your defense line is dominant, it doesn't really matter."
George Kittle says 49ers should draft offensive line, defensive line in 2025 NFL Draft
The 49ers are in luck.
Even though 2025 is regarded as a generally weak class when compared to past seasons, the strengths of this class are on the defensive and offensive lines, which should help the Niners reload with ease. General manager John Lynch should have no trouble finding solid value.
San Francisco will also need to improve the secondary in addition to the trenches, as two starters in Charvarius Ward and Talanoa Hufanga are going to hit free agency. The 49ers have the benefit of heading into the draft with very clear and defined goals they need to achieve.
With the Eagles poised to rule the roost in the NFC and the impressive showings both the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders put on display last year, San Francisco doesn't have the same fear factor it once did. With many veteran players on the roster eyeing one last run at a title, the 49ers owe it to them to draft well before quarterback Brock Purdy's extension kicks in.
Kittle is simply stating the obvious, as the 49ers were built in a way that is counterintuitive to success in 2024.
A healthier team should make a more earnest playoff charge in 2025 but they won't be able to get far in the postseason if they squishy up front once again.
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