After losing a slew of contributors to free agency, the San Francisco 49ers need to reload in the 2025 NFL Draft and have a key decision to make with the No. 11 overall pick. The defense was hit particularly hard this offseason in losing key players like Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga and Charvarius Ward, among others.
San Francisco was in contention to sign All-Pro pass rusher Joey Bosa, according to The Athletic. However, Bosa ultimately chose the Buffalo Bills over an opportunity to play for the 49ers alongside his brother Nick Bosa. Despite the roster attrition and the near miss with Joey Bosa, general manager John Lynch didn’t flinched when asked about the plan to rebuild.
“We’ve got this thing called the draft, and we’ve got a lot of picks,” he said via The Athletic. “And I think the thing the fans should know is we have a plan. And we’re gonna execute that plan. And we’re excited about the opportunity.” Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will certainly have their opportunities in late April, as the 49ers are tied for the most picks at 11. The question remains, though, of where to turn in the first round.
According to a new NFL mock draft from CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards, San Francisco is expected to immediately address the pass rush by taking Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams at No. 11 overall.
“Most assumed San Francisco would be the landing spot for Joey Bosa in free agency, but he signed with the Bills,” Edwards wrote. “The 49ers still have a need for greater contributions opposite Nick Bosa. They still need interior defensive line help, but it may be too rich at this point in the first round.” Williams is a big-bodied defender that has shown impressive traits as a pass rusher. The former five-star recruit measured in at an impressive 6-foot-5, 260 pounds with a 6-foot-8-inch wingspan at the combine in Indianapolis last month.
At Georgia, Williams earned Freshman All-American honors in 2022. He was a Second-Team All-SEC selection in his last two seasons, in which he was limited at times due to injury. The Columbus, Georgia, native posted a career-high nine tackles for loss with five sacks as a junior. He finished his career as a Bulldog with 67 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles. The 2025 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
