The San Francisco 49ers aimed to bolster their defensive front last offseason, but it fell short of expectations. The unit struggled with inconsistency, leaving room for improvement heading into 2025.
The team plans to designate Javon Hargrave as a post-June 1 release, ending his tenure in the Bay Area. However, the door remains open for Hargrave to return on a more team-friendly deal.
Hargrave, a marquee signing in 2023, earned a career-low 60.6 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus in his debut season with the 49ers. A partially torn triceps cut his 2024 campaign short.
Draft analyst Jacob Infante of Pro Football Network predicts the 49ers will address their defensive line early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Infante projects San Francisco to select Oregon defensive tackle Derrick Harmon with the 11th overall pick, drawing a striking comparison between Harmon and another former Oregon product whose name is familiar to 49ers fans.
"The comparisons to make between Harmon and former 49ers first-round pick DeForest Buckner are easy," Infante wrote. "Both are lengthy, athletic Oregon defensive tackles with quick hands and tremendous pass-rushing value along the interior."
Harmon played one season at Oregon after transferring from Michigan State. In 2024, he posted an impressive stat line of 45 tackles, including 11 for a loss, five sacks, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.
"Though Buckner graded out slightly higher against the run for me coming out than Harmon does, it's not inconceivable to think the latter can't also reach Pro Bowl status at some point in his career," Infante added.
The 2025 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 24, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and the 49ers will look to bolster their roster, bouncing back from a disappointing 6-11 campaign.