The San Francisco 49ers kicked off Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft by burning their first four picks on defense for the first time in 25 years. This move was repeated on Day 3, as they used their fifth pick to draft another defensive player, a tradition not seen since 1981.
In 1981, the 49ers had a dismal season on defense but made significant improvements through the draft, culminating in a Super Bowl win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The team drafted Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, and Carlton Williamson in rounds 1-3, respectively, to bolster their secondary. With the same level of dedication, coach George Seifert was thrilled with these new players.
General manager John Lynch acknowledged that replicating this success would be challenging but expressed optimism about the new defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh. The team’s defense has been revitalized, but it remains to be seen how these players will perform under Saleh’s guidance.
Source: https://www.ninersnation.com/2025/4/27/24418494/49ers-draft-history-2025-1981