NFL analyst Dane Brugler released his latest seven-round mock draft for The Athletic on Wednesday, addressing several of the San Francisco 49ers' key needs with the team's 11 picks, starting at No. 11 overall.
Coming off a disappointing 6-11 season and facing multiple offseason departures, the 49ers enter the 2025 NFL Draft needing to bolster several position groups. With 11 selections at their disposal, hitting on multiple picks will be critical to reloading the roster and getting back on track.
Brugler projects the 49ers to immediately focus on the trenches, selecting Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart with their first-round pick. Notably, Stewart is among the prospects visiting the team in Santa Clara on Wednesday.
RELATED 49ers hosting top draft prospects Josh Simmons, James Pearce Jr., others today
"I certainly understand the reservations with Stewart and his lack of sack production in college — he isn't a slam-dunk prospect," Brugler noted. "But he created plenty of noise when the Aggies allowed him to pin back his ears and attack the quarterback (he led A&M in pressures in 2024).
"His dominant Senior Bowl flashes and elite explosion numbers at the combine could be enough to convince a pass rush-starved team such as the 49ers to bet on his tools."
Stewart appeared in 12 games in 2024, recording 31 tackles (six for a loss), 1.5 sacks, two passes defensed, and one forced fumble, per Sports Reference. Over three seasons, he totaled 65 tackles (12 for a loss), 4.5 sacks, four passes defensed, a touchdown, and one forced fumble—posting 1.5 sacks in each of his collegiate seasons.
Brugler also notes that Michigan cornerback Will Johnson could be a consideration at No. 11. However, in this mock, he has the standout defender falling to the Green Bay Packers at No. 23. Another possible option for San Francisco, per Brugler, is Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen, but he currently has the prospect going to the Houston Texans at No. 25.
In Round 2, Brugler has the 49ers selecting UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger with the 43rd overall pick—a potential long-term replacement for Dre Greenlaw. Then, at No. 75, San Francisco finally turns to the offensive line, adding NC State tackle Anthony Belton.
"In a draft with a limited number of true left tackles, Belton is more well-liked around the league than most realize," Brugler wrote. "He'd give San Francisco immediate depth on the edges and a long-term succession plan behind left tackle Trent Williams."
Brugler continues to add a mix of potential contributors and depth pieces in the final five rounds. He has the 49ers selecting two interior defensive linemen, a cornerback, and offensive reinforcements in the form of a running back, wide receiver, interior lineman, tight end, and quarterback.
Here are all 11 of Brugler's projected picks for the 49ers:
- Round 1, Pick 11: Shemar Stewart, DE, Texas A&M
- Round 2, Pick 43: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
- Round 3, Pick 75: Anthony Belton, OT, NC State
- Round 3, Pick 100: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee
- Round 4, Pick 113: Damien Martinez, RB, Miami
- Round 4, Pick 138: Bilhal Kone, CB, Western Michigan
- Round 5, Pick 147: Tez Johnson, WR, Oregon
- Round 5, Pick 160: Jackson Slater, G/C, Sacramento State
- Round 7, Pick 227: Jackson Hawes, TE, Georgia Tech
- Round 7, Pick 249: Max Brosmer, QB, Minnesota
- Round 7, Pick 252: Elijah Simmons, DT, Tennessee
Comments