Fans of the San Francisco 49ers clamored for change after a disastrous 6-11 season in 2024. Already, the team has answered the call with some structural changes early in the offseason. The team dismissed Nick Sorensen of his duties and reunited with Robert Saleh who returns to his post as the team’s defensive coordinator. Saleh had spent the last three seasons with the New York Jets before the team fired him five games into his fourth season.

Regardless, he is geared up for his return and has his work cut out for him. While stars like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa are under contract, the team may see some significant losses on the defensive side when free agency begins. Those will need to be accounted for and the NFL Draft will be a solid place to start. The Niners do have $50.7 million in projected cap space, but they will need to account for Brock Purdy’s contract extension expected at some point in the next few months.

When looking at the draft, defensive back could be the hole to plug with pick No. 11 in the first round. Charvarius Ward is set to hit the market and the team may not be able to retain him. However, there are other areas of need on this defense and using their first-round pick to find a solution could be a major benefit. Therefore, defensive tackle Walter Nolen III could be in play for the Niners.

According to the highly touted prospect, he has met with the team and apparently holds some positive views about the franchise. Nolen revealed he grew up a Niners fan with Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman being a few of his favorite players. Related: John Lynch Reveals a ‘Really Motivated Trent Williams for 2025 Nolen fits the mold of a dominant interior lineman that San Francisco has successfully built its defenses around in years past. He has room for growth in developing as a pass rusher but can contribute immediately to resolving the team’s lackluster run defense.

After boasting a top-three ranking in rushing yards allowed in 2023, the Niners plummeted in that category to the bottom half of the league at 18th overall. Whether they use a pick and take a bit of a reach on Nolen or identify another prospect in that area, this will be a must-solve for Robert Saleh heading into next season.