The San Francisco 49ers made a concerted effort to restock their defense, selecting five defensive players in their first five picks. This is the first time since 1981 that the franchise has done so. The team’s top evaluators, led by General Manager John Lynch, targeted defensive linemen and linebackers throughout the draft.
The 49ers’ big-bodied defensive linemen, all 23 years old or younger, are expected to provide a significant boost to the middle of their defense. Jordan James, a running back from Oregon, was selected in the fifth round after a strong showing at the team’s pro day. The 49ers had lost two key players, including linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who left for the Denver Broncos in free agency.
The team’s third-round pick, cornerback Upton Stout, is expected to provide depth at nickel corner despite having bigger needs on the roster. Stout compares well to former 49ers nickel corner K’Waun Williams and has the speed to compete with Dee Winters for the weakside linebacker spot.
The 49ers also addressed their defensive line in the seventh round by drafting Iowa’s Connor Colby, a right guard who will help replace Jaylon Moore, their swing tackle. The team is expected to bring in a veteran kicker in the coming weeks to push Jake Moody throughout the spring and summer.
Head Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed relief after the team selected four potential defensive starters early in the draft. The 49ers have three young defensive tackles who weigh at least 316 pounds, providing a substantial boost to the middle of their defense. Overall, the 49ers’ focus on defense suggests that they are committed to building a strong unit for years to come.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6312540/2025/04/26/san-francisco-49ers-2025-nfl-draft-picks-takeaways