49ers 7-round Mock Draft: Projecting picks after key clues reveal their strategy heading into 2025
Mock drafts are a valuable exercise to understand what each team is thinking ahead of the NFL Draft. And maybe if a good cornerback falls to pick 11, the San Francisco 49ers will be willing to pull the trigger.But look at the list of top 30 visits for the franchise. There are some Day 2 […]
Mock drafts are a valuable exercise to understand what each team is thinking ahead of the NFL Draft. And maybe if a good cornerback falls to pick 11, the San Francisco 49ers will be willing to pull the trigger.
But look at the list of top 30 visits for the franchise. There are some Day 2 pass-catchers, cornerbacks, and defensive tackles. But based on the consensus big board, their priorities among first-round prospects have clearly been offensive tackle and edge defender.
More than most of NFL teams, the 49ers under head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch have been willing to attack needs in the draft and they don't care as much about long-term potential or athleticism. They want players ready to contribute in some way from the jump.
With all these factors in mind, let’s go with our final 49ers seven-round mock draft.
First round, pick 11: T Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas
The 49ers had Banks in for a top 30 visit, and he’s the kind of player who would make total sense. A versatile offensive linemen, Banks was a top college left tackle, but could also play guard in the NFL. Presumably, the 49ers could start him at left guard as a rookie, in a move to replace Aaron Banks, and then move him to tackle later in his career to maximize his value.
Second round, pick 43: DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan
The 49ers need answers for the defensive front, and Grant would offer at least one. He is an elite run defender, an area that might be keeping Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh up at night. According to PFF, he had an 87.5 run defense grade in his final college season. Grant is not exactly a great interior rusher, but it's not bad in that area either.
Third round, pick 75: WR Kyle Williams, Washington State
Williams is a lighter prospect, but he was extremely productive for Washington State, with 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns last season. The prospect was effective against man coverage and in contested-catch situations. The 49ers traded Deebo Samuel away, so it would be smart to replenish the depth chart with a player who had 2.71 yards per route run in 2024.
Third round, pick 100: EDGE Josaiah Stewart, Michigan
Josaiah Stewart is also a lighter prospect at 249 pounds, but the 49ers care more about what the prospects can do, and not what they can't. Stewart is an explosive edge rusher who had 8.5 sacks last season at Michigan. The Niners need edge options beyond Nick Bosa, and Stewart would offer an intriguing package of tools for a designated rusher.
Fourth round, pick 113: LB Smael Mondon Jr., Georgia
After losing Dre Greenlaw in free agency, the 49ers could replace him with an athletic rookie. Mondon is a good run defender who also offers some ability as an eventual pass rusher, a good combination to give Saleh more schematic flexibility.
Fourth round, pick 138: T Chase Lundt, UConn
Lundt was also a choice for the Niners in last week’s mock. His role wouldn’t be as obvious with a first-round tackle in the mix, but he is a great run-blocker who could potentially start at right tackle eventually. The Niners would leave the draft with a potential tackle duo of the future.
Fifth round, pick 147: TE Jake Briningstool, Clemson
The Niners have tried to find a second tight end to play opposite George Kittle for some time, and Briningstool brings intriguing tools as a tall, big target with ability to generate yards after the catch.
Fifth round, pick 160: RB RJ Harvey, UCF
Christian McCaffrey has a significant injury history, and Jordan Mason was traded away, so taking a running back is certainly on the table. Harvey is an explosive and fast runner, which bodes well for Kyle Shanahan’s scheme and for what the offense needs.
Seventh round, pick 227: QB Kyle McCord, Syracuse
Brock Purdy is here to stay and Mac Jones is a high-floor backup with a two-year deal, but McCord is a prototypical passer with room to grow. He could function as a third-string, developmental quarterback.
Seventh round, pick 249: CB Isas Waxter, Villanova
The 49ers could have possibly taken a cornerback earlier, to be fair, but the board didn’t fall this way. It did here, with a player with a high ceiling for a seventh-rounder.
Seventh round, pick 252: RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona
Croskey-Merritt is the definition of a good scheme fit for the Shanahan offense. A classic one-cut runner with explosiveness to take advantage of what the offensive line gives him.
