49ers give up on former top pick who failed to live up to the hype and expectations that came with him on draft day

Tough choices are always a part of the NFL offseason. For the San Francisco 49ers, they are waving the white flag when it comes to a former premium selection in the NFL Draft.  49ers move on from former second-round pick San Francisco is waiving former second-round pick Drake Jackson with a failed physical designation. According […]

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Tough choices are always a part of the NFL offseason. For the San Francisco 49ers, they are waving the white flag when it comes to a former premium selection in the NFL Draft. 

49ers move on from former second-round pick

San Francisco is waiving former second-round pick Drake Jackson with a failed physical designation. According to Adam Schefter, Jackson is expected to be cleared from a knee injury by the start of training camp.

Clearly, the 49ers did not feel as though it was worth it to keep Jackson until he is back to full strength. After being the 61st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jackson totaled six sacks total in his first two pro seasons. He did not play in 2024 due to injury. 

This move was not too much of a surprise when you consider general manager John Lynch's recent comments on Jackson's tough injury luck and situation late in February. 

“That's been a tough injury. We found that out with [Mike] McGlinchey, those quad tendon repairs. You got to really think long and hard before you have that, because it doesn't just make it go away. If you ask McGlinchey, to this day, probably plays through some pain."

“I guess Drake has had, not setbacks, but just trouble from the back end. It's not been the most encouraging thing. Hopefully it takes a turn for the positive because we've seen Drake when he’s healthy, he can be a real effective player for us."

— Lynch at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine 

Jackson made a social media story post earlier this month that sounded confident in his abilities to make an impact this season. That may have to come for a different NFL team now. 

Regardless, this decision also opens the door even wider for Mykel Williams in his rookie season. He will have plenty of opportunities to get on the field in year one and make an impact opposite of Nick Bosa on the defensive line. 

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