The San Francisco 49ers would be wise to use multiple draft picks to strengthen their diminished defensive line. The unit took a step back last season, struggling to generate a strong pass rush consistently and unable to stop the run.
Things worsened in free agency when the 49ers parted ways with Javon Hargrave, Leonard Floyd, and Maliek Collins. Other teams quickly snapped up all three, leaving San Francisco lacking depth at a crucial position group.
In his latest mock draft, CBS Sports writer Mike Renner predicts the 49ers will focus on the trenches, selecting Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart with the No. 11 overall pick.
"The 49ers defensive line took a massive step back from its Super Bowl form last season," Renner explained. "John Lynch isn't going to let that happen much longer. Pairing the freakiest athlete in the class with defensive line coach Kris Kocurek is a tremendous match."
Although Stewart (6-5, 267) posted just 1.5 sacks in each of his three seasons at Texas A&M, his potential upside makes him a compelling prospect. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Stewart ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash—one of the top four times among edge rushers in Indianapolis.
His 1.58-second 10-yard split ranked third at his position, and his 40-inch vertical jump was second only to Arkansas' Landon Jackson (40.5 inches).
Over three seasons at Texas A&M, Stewart recorded 65 tackles (12 for a loss), 4.5 sacks, four passes defensed, and a forced fumble, per Sports Reference. Pro Football Focus' analytics point to 2024 as his best season, earning a 79.5 defensive grade and an 88.2 run-defense grade—both career highs.
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