Defensive 2025 NFL Draft prospects who deserve to be on the 49ers' radar after impressive performances at the Senior Bowl
Most of the San Francisco 49ers needs this offseason relate to the defensive side of the ball. While the offensive line remains an issue, the case can be made that the defensive line is a more pressing concern, and there are secondary needs for them to address at the second and third levels of the […]
Most of the San Francisco 49ers needs this offseason relate to the defensive side of the ball.
While the offensive line remains an issue, the case can be made that the defensive line is a more pressing concern, and there are secondary needs for them to address at the second and third levels of the defense.
It was useful then, that general manager John Lynch was able to get a first-hand look at some of the best defensive prospects in the draft last week at the Senior Bowl.
And there were plenty whose performances were likely to have caught his eye and put themselves firmly on San Francisco's radar as potential selections in April's draft.
Mike Green, EDGE, Marshall
The Marshall star, who led the FBS with 17 sacks in the 2024 season, worked with 49ers defensive quality control coach K.J. Wright, who coached the National Team edge rushers for the week.
Wright was likely very impressed with what he saw from the Thundering Herd defender, who shone in one-on-one pass rush drills that were closely watched by Lynch.
Having weighed in at 251 pounds to assuage concerns over his size, Green demonstrated outstanding explosiveness and an ability to both translate speed to power with the bull rush and win around the outside shoulder of opposing tackles.
The 49ers haven't had a truly dynamic speed rusher since Dee Ford. Green should be in play with the 11th overall pick.
Donovan Ezeiruaku, EDGE, Boston College
Ezeiruaku also worked under Wright's coaching during the week in Mobile and, while he did not flash quite as much, he demonstrated he can go through the chest of pass protectors and win to both their inside and outside shoulders. His ability to win around the edge comes in part through a level of bend that none of the current 49ers pass rushers possess.
Ezeiruaku was extremely productive in his final collegiate season, finishing with 16.5 sacks. Though he is a little undersized at 248 pounds, he has the arm length and the explosiveness the 49ers covet, and Ezeiruaku said at the Senior Bowl that he is working on generating speed to power more consistently and developing his long arm move. Those words will be music to the ears of San Francisco's front office.
Having played in a 3-4 and a 4-3 at BC, the 49ers should be confident Ezeiruaku can fit in their defense and, if they go in a different direction than edge rusher in the first round, he'll be a strong candidate for their selection in the second.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Texas A&M
The discussion of Stewart inside the 49er organization will surely be a fascinating one.
On paper, he is everything the 49ers want on edge, blending a massive 281-pound frame with the explosiveness and power to dominate as a pass rusher at the highest level, with his frame and his numbers from this past season indicating he can also develop into an asset against the run. Stewart had the sixth-highest run defense grade among all edge defenders in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.
Stewart flashed his most alluring traits regularly at the Senior Bowl, using his build to his advantage in one-on-ones and displaying an ability to win around the edge in team periods.
What makes him a difficult evaluation is a clear lack of consistency and production in games, having recorded just 1.5 sacks in 2024. Despite all the tools, those kind of numbers make him a risky proposition for any team picking in the first round. Still, don't count out the Niners taking a home-run swing on this tantalizing talent.
Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
Concerns around Nolen are likely going to be limited to questions over his character, because there should be few doubts about his ability to upgrade the 49ers at their biggest need on the roster after his performance in Mobile.
At 6ft 3in and 293 pounds, Nolen showcased phenomenal first-step explosiveness, power and excellent hand usage in a superb display of why he has dubbed himself the next Aaron Donald.
Living up to that tag at the highest level is likely to be difficult, and he would do well to improve his balance after ending up on the ground on a couple of reps in Mobile. However, for a team desperate for interior defensive line help, he must be in play at 11.
Darius Alexander, DL, Toledo
The 49ers' defensive line thrived in 2021 and 2022 in part because it had players who could win from the defensive tackle position and off the edge. Both Arden Key and Charles Omenihu performed that role in 2021, while Omenihu did so again in 2022 before leaving for Kansas City in 2023.
Omenihu has not been sufficiently replaced, with Yetur Gross-Matos signed as a player the 49ers believed could fill that void, only to see his 2024 disrupted by injury.
In getting the chance to watch Alexander at Senior Bowl practices, GM Lynch was able to witness a showcase of why he may be the ideal prospect to serve in the Omenihu role for years to come.
Freakishly fluid at 6ft 3in and 304 pounds, Alexander consistently won when aligned both inside and out, succeeding through his explosiveness, power and devastating usage of his 34-inch arms. With his refined pass-rush arsenal seeing him named defensive lineman of the week by his National Team counterparts on the offensive line, Alexander is a riser who should be near the forefront of the 49ers' thoughts as a potential day-two pick.
Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon
A former safety who displayed outstanding instincts and coverage ability throughout the week of practice, Bassa is everything the 49ers look for in a linebacker.
Whether it was through his ability to read the quarterback's eyes in pass defense, or through his efforts in pursuit, Bassa was around the ball all week in Mobile, earning him plaudits as he was named the best National Team linebacker.
With the 49ers potentially set to lose Dre Greenlaw in free agency, it makes sense for them to look to find another backer whom they can potentially mold into a long-term starter, and it also makes a great deal of sense for Bassa to be the prospect they target.
Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville
Continuing the theme of instincts, let's move on to a compelling candidate to step in as the third cornerback for the 49ers with Charvarius Ward seemingly set to depart.
Riley displayed his awareness in reading the game when breaking from depth during the team periods for the National Team, dropping a would-be pick six after using his talents in that regard.
Additionally, Riley showed off his strengths as a downfield defender in coverage and the ability to find the ball in the air that enabled him to lead the ACC with 13 pass breakups in 2024, a season that also saw him record two interceptions. There are some questions about his long speed that might give the 49ers' pause, but his all-round skill set is one that should have them very interested.
Azareye'h Thomas, CB, Florida State
But if the 49ers are looking to go cornerback on day two, they could do a lot worse than repeating their actions from last year and plucking one from Florida State.
Renardo Green looks primed to be a long-term starter for San Francisco after his hugely impressive rookie season, and Thomas' showing at the Senior Bowl suggested he has what it takes to make a similarly impressive start to his career in the pros.
At 6ft 1in and 190 pounds, Thomas has an extremely intriguing mix of size and movement skills and, like Green, excels playing press-man.
Thomas thrived with the deck stacked against him in red zone one-on-ones in Thursday's final practice and was similarly impressive in seven-on-seven drills.
More consistent on-ball production will be required at the next level but, after a 2024 season in which he did not give up a single touchdown in coverage — per PFF — playing for an awful FSU team, Thomas stands as a very enticing option to help the 49ers fortify an already talented young secondary.
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