ESPN analyst Matt Miller has released his annual seven-round mock draft, a comprehensive projection of all 257 picks. After losing key contributors this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL Draft with several pressing needs. Among their top priorities are reinforcing the defensive line and planning for the future along the offensive line.
Surprisingly, Miller, who has criticized the 49ers for not properly addressing the offensive line in the past, doesn't have the team addressing the trenches in the first round. Instead, he projects San Francisco to bolster its secondary.
Round 1: Adding a cornerback
After a disappointing six-win season, the 49ers hold the 11th overall pick. Miller predicts that general manager John Lynch will use it on Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, a talented defender who could be a Day 1 starter.
"What do you get for a team that lost nine starters this offseason? The best player on the board," Miller explained. "Johnson is that player, a seamless replacement for Charvarius Ward, who would be a true homegrown talent at CB1, something the 49ers haven't had in ages. Johnson was limited to six games in 2024 with a toe injury but had two interceptions -- both of which he returned for touchdowns. His playmaking ability and savvy ball skills in zone coverage remind me of Trevon Diggs."
Miller acknowledges Johnson's injury history but believes his talent makes him worth the gamble.
"When healthy, Johnson is one of the best defenders in the nation," Miller continued. "The 49ers can bet on a bounce-back in health and can bet that Johnson will develop better tackling at the next level."
Round 2: Bolstering the defensive front
With defensive tackle Javon Hargrave among the key departures, the 49ers have a major need on the defensive line. Miller projects Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen to slip out of the first round, allowing San Francisco to select him at No. 43 overall.
"With Javon Hargrave having moved on, the 49ers have a need at both tackle spots in their 4-3 defense," Miller wrote. "When dialed in, Nolen can be a difference-maker at 3-technique, with fantastic first-step quickness and proven production (14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks in 2024)."
Round 3: Strengthening the offensive line
Miller finally has the 49ers addressing their offensive line in the third round, selecting two tackles with picks No. 75 and No. 100. First, they take Minnesota's Aireontae Ersery.
"The 49ers would choose their eventual Trent Williams replacement in the powerful, crafty Ersery, who has developmental upside with 5.01 speed at 331 pounds," Miller noted.
Next, San Francisco selects Texas' Cameron Williams.
"The offensive line in San Francisco could be a Round 1 need given the current roster," Miller wrote. "Adding Williams at right tackle in Round 3 is a value and a scheme fit thanks to his power in the run game."
Rounds 4 through 7: Adding depth
In the fourth round, Miller projects the 49ers to add an edge rusher and a running back. They continue addressing needs in the fifth round with a tight end to support George Kittle and a linebacker to help replace Dre Greenlaw.
The seventh round sees them adding competition for third-string quarterback Tanner Mordecai and reinforcements along the offensive line and secondary.
- Round 4, Pick 113: DE Sai'vion Jones, LSU
- Round 4, Pick 138: RB RJ Harvey, Central Florida
- Round 5, Pick 147: TE Thomas Fidone II, Nebraska
- Round 5, Pick 160: LB Cody Simon, Ohio State
- Round 7, Pick 227: QB Riley Leonard, Notre Dame
- Round 7, Pick 249: C Willie Lampkin, North Carolina
- Round 7, Pick 252: S Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin
Did Miller get it right?
Does this mock draft adequately address the 49ers' most pressing needs? While Miller provides talent at key positions, some might argue that waiting until the third round to address the offensive line—or not selecting a pass rusher earlier—leaves room for improvement.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.