It wouldn't be surprising to see the San Francisco 49ers use their first-round pick—No. 11 overall—to address their struggling pass rush. Many expect the team to focus on the trenches, targeting either an offensive or defensive lineman with their top selection.
In his latest mock draft for NFL.com, NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks projects general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan to bolster their defense by selecting Marshall defensive end Mike Green.
"With Robert Saleh back in San Francisco to direct the defense, the 49ers could return to their disruptive ways by snatching up a dominant pass-rushing prospect to supplement Nick Bosa and Co.," Brooks wrote.
Green (6-4, 215) is the fourth edge rusher taken in Brooks' mock draft, following Penn State's Abdul Carter, Georgia's Mykel Williams, and Georgia's Jalon Walker—all off the board by the 11th pick. Brooks also has two offensive linemen—LSU's Will Campbell and Texas' Kelvin Banks Jr.—going in the top 10.
Green was dominant in his final season at Marshall, leading the nation with 17 sacks. He also tallied 84 tackles (23 for a loss), two passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.
Pro Football Focus awarded Green a 92.4 defensive grade, the highest among all FBS defenders. His 90.2 run-defense grade ranked second among edge rushers, while his 91.4 pass-rush grade tied for sixth.
The 2025 NFL Draft begins on Thursday, April 24, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.