Niners Nation
San Francisco took 11 rookies in the draft. What’s the expectation for all 11 players?
The San Francisco 49ers tied the league-high with 11 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, electing to stick-and-pick at every one of their selections, rather than make a single trade.
San Francisco went defense-heavy to start the draft, taking five straight defensive players before their first offensive selection, as they addressed a number of needs over the three-day period.
It was a quiet offseason for the 49ers, who didn’t make any meaningful free agent signings after letting several key players walk, so the draft was crucial to shoring up holes.
So, let’s evaluate every selection and see what the expectations should be for each rookie in 2025.
San Francisco’s top selection is one of the youngest players in the draft, but also considered one of the safer prospects, given his floor as a run defender.
I expect him to compete for a Day 1 starting job with Yetur-Gross Matos, but Williams should be an every-down player as a starter. He has the option of kicking in on passing downs, as his elite length and bigger frame on the edge could fare well against interior offensive linemen.
But, with San Francisco’s lack of top-end options on the edge and Williams’s excitement to play in a wide-9 system, I wouldn’t be surprised if he sticks at defensive end on passing downs in Year 1 as he grows more into his frame.
Nonetheless, Williams should be a key contributor in Year 1.
Collins was another early investment on the defensive line, and he comes in with a massive 6’6, 332-pound frame that should help the 49ers against the run instantly.
The 49ers have a solid run defender with Jordan Elliott already, and Collins gives another one who should help the 49ers on early downs.
Now, Collins does have some development needed as a pass-rusher, but the 49ers also don’t have many high-end options there either. So, he should definitely fit into the rotation as a rookie, and could even be a starter on the interior, while subbing out on occasion on passing downs for players like Kevin Givens and others.
Perhaps the most scrutinized pick on Day 2 for the 49ers, Nick Martin was considered a reach by some, which is fair when understanding that there wasn’t another linebacker taken in the third round.
But, Martin fits the 49ers' style of play, and he should immediately be in the mix for the No. 2 linebacker role behind Fred Warner. That was a big need for the 49ers in the offseason, and they may have gotten a potential starter in the third round at the position.
Even if he doesn’t earn the starting role over a player like Dee Winters, Martin should compete for a sub-linebacker role and be a factor on special teams.
Like the Nick Martin pick, there were some reservations...
