According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the San Francisco 49ers are among the teams considering a trade down in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, which kicks off Thursday. Holding the No. 11 overall pick, the team has several directions it could go with its top selection.
The 49ers have needs across the board—along the offensive and defensive lines, in the secondary, at linebacker, and wide receiver. You name it, and the team could likely use help there. Much of that is due to key departures this offseason, with several players leaving in free agency and the front office parting ways with others to reduce future cash spending, with quarterback Brock Purdy due a contract extension.
However, it doesn't appear that general manager John Lynch is targeting a move up from No. 11. Instead, Schefter reports that San Francisco is among the teams looking to trade down.
"On the other side of things, the Steelers (No. 21) are among the teams interested in moving back from their first-round slot," Schefter wrote. "That list also includes the Jaguars (5), Panthers (8), 49ers (11), Falcons (15), Seahawks (18), Buccaneers (19), and Vikings (24), who currently have four picks, the fewest of any team."
The 49ers, by contrast, own 11 total picks in this year's draft. Given the number of roster needs, adding even more draft capital by trading down would make strategic sense.
With the draft just days away, we won't have to wait long to see what Lynch and the 49ers ultimately decide to do when Day 1 kicks off Thursday night.