49ers 2025 NFL Draft final grades with a clear defensive identity shaping the next phase of San Francisco football

The San Francisco 49ers wanted to make Robert Saleh a happy man, and they probably achieved that during the last three days. With an obvious focus on defense, the Niners rebuilt the unit with a lot of young talent.Pick by pick, let's evaluate what San Francisco has done. Round 1, pick 11: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia […]

Wendell Ferreira NFL News Writer
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San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch speaks during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers wanted to make Robert Saleh a happy man, and they probably achieved that during the last three days. With an obvious focus on defense, the Niners rebuilt the unit with a lot of young talent.

Pick by pick, let's evaluate what San Francisco has done.

Round 1, pick 11: EDGE Mykel Williams, Georgia

Williams is exactly what the 49ers wanted in terms of complement to Nick Bosa. He's a great run-stuffer, and his ability to set the edge stands out. However, his production as a pass rusher was limited in college, and an 11.1% pass rush win rate is underwhelming for a first-round talent.

Grade: B-


Round 2, pick 43: DT Alfred Collins, Texas

Collins is another good run defender, another limited rusher. This is less impactful for a defensive tackle than it is for an edge defender, even though Robert Saleh likes disruptive interior players. He was expected to be taken in the third round, so the process is not exactly sound.

Grade: B


Round 3, pick 75: LB Nick Martin, Oklahoma State

Martin is an intriguing piece for Robert Saleh's defense as a hybrid off-ball linebacker/strong safety profile. Undersized to play exclusively in the box, he has excellent sideline-to-sideline speed.

Grade: B


Round 3, pick 100: CB Upton Stout, Western Kentucky

He's primarily a slot defender, which might limit his role for the 49ers, especially because Deommodore Lenoir has a long contract in San Francisco.

Grade: B-


Round 4, pick 113: DT CJ West, Indiana

The 49ers are making sure it's impossible to run against them. Last year, West had an elite 88.1 PFF grade against the run, with an elite 11.4% run-stop rate. He is not exactly known for his pass rush moves, but he's a decent penetrator as well.

Grade: A-


Round 4, pick 138: WR Jordan Watkins, Ole Miss

The 49ers clearly don't care about the consensus big board, and you can see it—Watkins was the 284th prospect there. It might be perceived as another reach, but Watkins does have the potential to offer an intriguing piece for Kyle Shanahan to take advantage of.

Even though he's not tall, Watkins is relatively heavy and fast, with a 4.3 40-yard dash. His ability to create separation stands out on tape.

Grade: B-


Round 5, pick 147: RB Jordan James, Oregon

In terms of pure value, this is the best pick of the 49ers' draft class. Jordan James is a quick, smart running back who can take advantage of well-blocked plays to attack defensive holes. He doesn't have the top deep speed to create big plays, but his ability to execute well in zone schemes is a valuable tool for Kyle Shanahan.

Grade: A


Round 5, pick 160: S Marques Sigle, Kansas State

Sigle gives Robert Saleh another chess piece. Primarily a nickel, he can also play in the box as a strong safety—and even as a deep safety sometimes. A good tackler, he's an average cover player.

Grade: B


Round 7, pick 227: QB Kurtis Rourke, Indiana

It's the perfect seventh-round bet for the Niners. Rourke can improve his accuracy, but coaching may help. The quarterback has a higher ceiling for this range, with helps when the other backup is Mac Jones.

Grade: A-


Round 7, pick 249: G Connor Colby, Iowa

At this point, any type of depth is valuable. Colby is an experienced interior offensive lineman with a good ability to run block, something particularly valuable for Kyle Shanahan. To play in the NFL, he has to 

Grade: B


Round 7, pick 252: WR Junior Bergen, Montana

Bergen is mostly a special teamer, and his value is as a returner. He's a short, light receiver at 5-11, 184 pounds.

Grade: B-