With the NFL Draft just a week away, ESPN experts have highlighted prospects who fill key team needs and offer strong value at each first-round pick. For the San Francisco 49ers, holding the No. 11 selection, offseason departures have opened up holes at multiple positions, giving general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan several directions to consider.
Draft analyst Matt Miller pointed to a player he believes addresses one of San Francisco's most pressing needs—Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, a rising prospect frequently projected to the 49ers in mock drafts.
"The 49ers have many needs, including offensive tackle and defensive line," Miller explained. "But a frontline cornerback to replace Charvarius Ward, who departed for the Colts, should be atop their list."
Shoulder and turf toe injuries limited Johnson to just six games in 2024. Still, he managed 14 tackles (one for a loss), three passes defensed, and two interceptions—both returned for touchdowns, per Sports Reference.
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson held opposing quarterbacks to a 52.6 NFL passer rating. He didn't allow a single touchdown over his final two college seasons, potentially making him a strong long-term fit in defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's system.
Still, many believe the 49ers will focus on the trenches with their first pick, and that's the direction Jordan Reid took when identifying the best value at No. 11—Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams.
"The 49ers would get the most value out of this pick by finding a running mate opposite Nick Bosa," Reid wrote. "At 20 years old, Williams still must develop as a pass rusher, but he's No. 13 on my board because of his traits and physical attributes."
Over three seasons at Georgia, Williams racked up 67 tackles (23 for a loss), 14 sacks, four passes defensed, and three forced fumbles, per Sports Reference. Despite dealing with an ankle injury in 2024, he still posted five sacks and flashed elite potential.
Which of these two prospects do you think is the better fit for the 49ers at No. 11—Johnson or Williams?
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