The 49ers need to hit on a majority of their picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, so why not trade down to increase the chances of doing so?
The San Francisco 49ers have made every indication they plan on restocking their roster this offseason not by free-agent pickups but by adding young and cheap talent through the NFL Draft.
They’re well-equipped to do so, armed with a league-high 11 picks this April, including the No. 11 overall selection.
However, understanding that even the best team draft classes typically produce no more than three or four starting-caliber players any given year, general manager John Lynch could afford to proverbially “toss more darts” in the 2025 draft than in previous years.
Especially considering there’s no shortage of analysis speculating on how there isn’t much of a drop in prospective talent from the middle of Round 1 through the end of Round 2.
Previous Niner Noise mocks have generally avoided trades, but one shouldn’t be surprised if Lynch is willing to trade around the draft board when San Francisco’s number is called.
Using Pro Football Focus’ trusty mock-draft widget, let’s help Lynch out in this regard while stocking up on the many areas of need the 49ers have.
49ers trade down in Round 1 in this 7-round mock NFL Draft
In-division trades are rare, but PFF’s widget prompted interest in No. 11 overall from the Seattle Seahawks, who wanted to move up from the 18th overall pick by shipping off two day-two picks and No. 223 overall:
It might be a bit of a gamble, as the Hawks grabbed Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart with their pick in that spot.
But, the Niners nevertheless ended up being able to grab a player they likely could have wanted at No. 11 anyway, acquiring three more picks in the process.
Round 1, No. 18 overall (from Seahawks): CB Will Johnson, Michigan
ESPN’s Matt Miller recently mocked Johnson to San Francisco in his latest seven-round mock, which makes sense despite the 49ers having a plethora of holes to fill within their front seven.
Fortunately, the draft is deep there, meaning a first-round grab of Johnson helps plug the void at cornerback left by Charvarius Ward, who departed via free agency to the Indianapolis Colts.
Johnson can start right away, solidifying the core cornerback group that also includes Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green.
Round 2, No. 43 overall: DE Landon Jackson, Arkansas
The Niners need a complementary pass-rusher to pair with Nick Bosa and can afford to take someone who’d need a little polish, which describes Jackson.
Jackson is still growing into his 6-foot-6 frame, and his relentless motor should help him overcome some of the technique shortcomings he currently has. Despite those, he still managed 6.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for a loss last year over 12 games played.
Round 3, No. 50 overall (from Seahawks): LB Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina
With one of the picks acquired from Seattle, San Francisco helps absolve the crushing free-agent loss of linebacker Dre Greenlaw by landing a Greenlaw-like player in Knight.
Knight, who already looks the part of a top-end NFL backer, has solid coverage skills and a knack for finding his way to the ball. Plus, he fits the 49ers’ newfound desire to land prospects with plenty of collegiate experience, playing a combined six years between Georgia Tech, Charlotte and South Carolina.
Round 3, No. 75 overall: OL Marcus Mbow, Purdue
The Niners likely have their starting offensive line for 2025 set with Trent Williams, Ben Bartch, Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni and Colton McKivitz from left to right. But Williams will turn 37 years old this offseason, Bartch is relatively unknown, Brendel is mid and McKivitz is entering a contract year.
Some scouts view Mbow as a pro-level guard after playing tackle for the Boilermakers last season, but a versatile zone-style lineman is a need for San Francisco anyway given the plethora of long-term question marks up front.
Round 3, No. 92 overall (from Seahawks via Lions): OT Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
The same concerns still apply about the O-line later in Round 3, meaning a double-dip on linemen isn’t out of the question.
Not too long ago, Savaiinaea was viewed as a possible first-round selection. His stock has dropped since, but he’s still viewed as a starting-caliber tackle who’d merely need a year or two to fully develop into such a role.
Round 3, No. 100 overall (compensatory): DT Deone Walker, Kentucky
Having six picks in the top 100 isn’t a bad ploy by the 49ers, and they round out this group with their third-round compensatory pick, grabbing Walker to reinforce a notably weak defensive line interior that’s now without Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins.
Walker, 6-foot-7 and 337 pounds, is massive and would remind Niners fans of now-Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead’s former presence.
Like Armstead early in his career, Walker will require some refinement early but has unquestionable physical traits that could aid his development into a mismatch-kind of player.
Round 4, No. 113 overall: TE Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green
San Francisco grabbed a blocking tight end in free agency in Luke Farrell, but it still needs a pass-catching complement to the All-Pro, George Kittle.
Fortunately, this year’s draft is loaded with quality tight ends, and Fannin fits the bill as a good go-to target with soft hands and yards-after-the-catch ability.
Not much of a blocker, Fannin will have to develop that trait to be a true No. 2 but at least has the pass-catching prowess to rely upon early.
Round 4, No. 138 overall (compensatory): DT Rylie Mills, Notre Dame
One defensive tackle isn’t going to be enough for the 49ers, meaning another 3-tech type of defender is required later down the line.
Enter Mills, who is coming off a knee injury, boasts traits to make him an immediate rotational player with the long-term prospectus of becoming a full-time starter.
Round 5, No. 147 overall (from Commanders via Saints): RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona
The Niners traded away Jordan Mason, their leading rusher from a year ago, meaning they’ll have to rely heavily on second-year pro Isaac Guerendo as a primary backup to All-Pro Christian McCaffrey, who is coming off significant leg injuries that limited him to just three games last season.
With the pick acquired from the Washington Commanders in wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s trade, San Francisco hopes to alleviate its depth concerns in the backfield by adding Croskey-Merritt, who has great one-cut movement.
Round 5, No. 160 overall (from Vikings): C Seth McLaughlin, Ohio State
The 49ers use the Mason trade to find their long-term replacement (and hopeful upgrade) over Brendel, landing last year’s Rimington Trophy award winner, McLaughlin, who has five years of collegiate experience, although an Achilles tear suffered last season is something to monitor.
That’d help check off a box for head coach Kyle Shanahan, who prefers experience over potential in this spot on the O-line.
Round 7, No. 223 overall (from Seahawks via Saints): DB Alijah Clark, Syracuse
George Odum, Jason Pinnock, Ji’Ayir Brown and Malik Mustapha are in the running for the top-two spots at safety, yet Mustapha seems to be the only sure thing.
Both depth and competition are needed here, and that’s where the versatile Clark comes into play.
Special teams abilities will boost his value early on.
Round 7, No. 227 overall: CB Jason Marshall Jr., Florida
The Niners need boundary cornerback depth, too, meaning a project-type defensive back like Marshall can help round out the back end of the roster, especially if he develops his on-field awareness.
Round 7, No. 249 overall (compensatory): DT Ty Robinson, Nebraska
Robinson could easily wind up being drafted earlier this April, but the fluidity of Rounds 5 through 7 allowed the 6-foot-5 defender to slip late into the final round.
One of the draft’s potential sleepers, Robinson’s relentless motor would be a fun coaching aspect for defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, and the lack of D-line depth opens up the door for the 288-pound Robinson to make the 53-man roster in year one.
Round 7, No. 252 overall (compensatory): DE Ethan Downs, Oklahoma
One edge rusher is never enough, and rotational pass-rushing pieces are always nice.
Downs might not win with quick twitch or refined technique, but he’s nevertheless relentless and can be a pain for blockers when given some space to move.
