Mock draft season is in full swing, and several top news and analysis outlets have released their latest projections for the 2025 NFL Draft. Among them are Pro Football Focus (PFF), The Draft Network (TDN), CBS Sports, and The 33rd Team. Here's a look at what these analysts foresee for the San Francisco 49ers just weeks before the draft.
San Francisco currently holds the No. 11 overall pick after a disappointing six-win campaign in 2024, which landed the team in last place in the NFC West.
Pro Football Focus: Reinforcing the secondary
PFF analyst Mason Cameron released a first-round mock draft and projects the 49ers will select Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron with the 11th pick—an increasingly popular prediction among mock drafts.
"Charvarius Ward's departure in free agency has reintroduced cornerback as a need for the 49ers," Cameron explained. "Robert Saleh, back calling the shots for this defense, will undoubtedly be banging the table for this year's top prospect at the position. Barron is a versatile cornerback who would excel in Saleh's quarters-heavy scheme after earning an 82.0 PFF coverage grade in quarters looks in 2024."
Cornerback is undoubtedly a need, and the 49ers are expected to use one of their 11 draft picks to address the position. However, bypassing offensive line or edge rusher—arguably more urgent concerns—in the first round would be a bold choice.
The Draft Network: Bolstering the O-line
TDN's Keith Sanchez also released a first-round mock, with the 49ers focused on protecting quarterback Brock Purdy. He projects San Francisco will select Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., another name frequently tied to the team at No. 11.
"The 49ers are clearly in a transition period as they attempt to get younger and more cost-effective while locking down Brock Purdy to an extension," Sanchez wrote. "The key to the 49ers' success, though, is to pay Purdy and maintain a high level of talent around him. With this selection, the 49ers are trying to achieve this by drafting OT Kelvin Banks Jr. Banks Jr. can step in right away for the 49ers along the offensive line, and this also helps them prepare for the day when they may need to move on from Trent Williams."
Finding a successor to Williams is likely a top priority. The All-Pro left tackle will be 37 when the 2025 season kicks off and missed the final seven games last season due to injury.
CBS Sports: Going three rounds deep
CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson takes it a step further with a full three-round mock draft. Like PFF, he has the 49ers selecting Barron at No. 11.
"This may sound rich but, at times," Wilson explained, "Barron flashes in a way that reminds me of Brian Branch; he's one of the smartest players on the field, he's always around the ball, and if you need a play, he consistently shows up. He can line up in the box, in the slot or outside, is an effective blitzer off the edge, and is an asset in the run game."
In the second round, Wilson projects San Francisco will select another Texas standout, defensive lineman Alfred Collins, to help shore up a unit impacted by offseason departures.
In the third round, he has the team doubling down in the trenches with South Carolina defensive end Kyle Kennard at No. 75, followed by Georgia offensive lineman Dylan Fairchild at No. 100.
The 33rd Team: A bold trade-up for D-line talent
Analyst Ian Valentino sees the 49ers boldly move up the draft board in his mock draft for The 33rd Team. He predicts the team will trade up five spots to No. 6 overall to select Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham—an elite prospect who might otherwise be out of reach.
"San Francisco has more needs than what we're used to seeing with this regime, but it still has more picks (11) than what they can use," Valentino wrote.
"Moving some of that capital to land one of the few elite players at a position of critical need is worthwhile. Mason Graham is incredibly disruptive and might be the safest prospect in the class."
In this scenario, the Las Vegas Raiders trade down to No. 11 and use the pick on Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.