Addressing anything other than offensive or defensive line help in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft would seem like a luxury pick for the San Francisco 49ers. The offseason departures have left the defensive front lacking depth, and the team needs to plan for the future along the offensive line.
In his latest mock draft, CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli doesn't project the 49ers to bolster the trenches. Instead, he has general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan adding a starter to the secondary with the 11th overall pick, selecting Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron.
"The 49ers have been churning the roster quite a bit lately, and have a need at corner," Fornelli wrote. "Barron is CB2 (behind Travis Hunter) on most boards, and while I'm not as high on him as the majority, this is a pick that would make sense for both sides."
With starter Charvarius Ward departing for the Indianapolis Colts, Deommodore Lenoir and second-year player Renardo Green are currently the top corners. The 49ers also signed former Seattle Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown in free agency.
Fornelli isn't the only one projecting Barron to San Francisco. NFL Media draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah also has Barron going to the 49ers in his latest mock draft.
"The 49ers' defense has seen a lot of departures this offseason, including at cornerback," Jeremiah explained. "Barron is one of the most consistent players on tape among prospects in this year's class and he can take the ball away. He'll be able to match up against some of the talented slot receivers in the division."
Barron (5-11, 194) is the second-highest-ranked cornerback on Pro Football Focus' big board. He earned a 90.7 defensive grade last season, tying for second among cornerbacks nationwide, while his 91.1 coverage grade also ranked second.
In 2024, Barron recorded 67 tackles (three for a loss), a sack, 11 passes defensed, and five interceptions through 16 starts as a senior, per Sports Reference. Over his collegiate career, he tallied 226 tackles (21 for a loss), two sacks, 24 passes defensed, eight interceptions, two touchdowns, and a forced fumble.