Mel Kiper's first mock NFL Draft had the 49ers taking a cornerback at No. 11 overall, and that hasn't changed in his latest two-round mock.
Back in February, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. suggested the San Francisco 49ers would use their top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, No. 11 overall, on a cornerback.
Kiper's mock draft seemed to go against conventional wisdom, considering the Niners' biggest need was the defensive line, even before losing key starters like Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins and Leonard Floyd at the start of the league new year.
However, taking such an approach actually makes a lot of sense. This year's draft is chock full of defensive linemen, whereas there are nowhere near as many starting-caliber corners to be had.
Simply put, San Francisco takes care of one glaring need early, then saves its D-line needs for later, knowing fully well there'll be plenty of options after Round 1.
In Kiper's latest mock, a two-rounder, the 49ers' approach of selecting a cornerback first doesn't change whatsoever.
Neither does the player.
Mel Kiper's 2-round mock has 49ers grabbing a cornerback, then a D-lineman
Kiper's original selection a couple of months ago was cornerback Will Johnson out of Michigan, who'd be a plug-and-play option for the Niners to replace Charvarius Ward on the boundary after the latter departed via free agency.
No changes there at No. 11 overall, as Kiper again mocked the 6-foot-2 defensive back to San Francisco in that same spot:
"There’s well-documented roster turnover in San Francisco right now, and Charvarius Ward is among the departures. Renardo Green has one of the outside starting spots, but what will the 49ers do at the other? Could slot guy Deommodore Lenoir move outside? Will new signee Tre Brown earn the role (and stay healthy)? Or could this be a golden chance to land a potential shutdown CB1 in Johnson?
Johnson missed time last season with a toe injury, and he slid from the top five to No. 12 overall on my Big Board. But the talent is undeniable. He’s big — 6-foot-2 — and his instincts and ball skills show up in the box scores. He had nine interceptions over his Michigan career, including two pick-sixes last season. The 49ers had 11 total INTs a year ago (tied for 19th)."
Again, nothing wrong with that approach. Provided Johnson lives up to his draft billing, the 49ers would have their starting trio of cornerbacks for the foreseeable future.
Then, in Round 2, Kiper follows what conventional wisdom says the Niners would do: grab a defensive lineman early.
Kiper's pick for San Francisco here is another former Wolverine, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant, taken at No. 43 overall:
"Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins were released. Grant would clog up the middle in their place. He’s 6-foot-4 and 331 pounds, and he has explosiveness and good instincts to his game. Hitting on Day 2 picks would help San Francisco replenish its roster and remain a contender in the NFC. Grant has the potential to immediately contribute in a big way."
Grant is a plug-and-play starter, indeed. While he doesn't receive anywhere close the attention as his former linemate, a consensus top-10 prospect in defensive tackle Mason Graham, Grant is nevertheless a high-quality player who could provide the kind of thump the 49ers have lacked on their interior for some time now.
The Niners could execute these two pickups to start their 2025 draft class, but it wouldn't deter them from adding even more D-linemen later, particularly another interior defender and an edge rusher, plus some depth.
Good thing this year's class has plenty of likable options.