49ers climb in power rankings after defense-heavy draft haul

NFL.com's Eric Edholm released his post-draft power rankings, offering insight into where each team stands after adding their latest rookie classes. At the top of the list are the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, whose draft haul once again earned Edholm's praise.

The San Francisco 49ers climbed three spots from Edholm's previous rankings, landing at No. 15. The Los Angeles Rams, ranked No. 8, are the only NFC West team positioned higher.

"The 49ers used their first five picks on defense before finally pivoting to the offensive side on Day 3," Edholm wrote. "It was not a shocking approach for a team whose depth chart felt pretty lean after the roster was raided in free agency."

San Francisco allowed several key contributors to depart this offseason as part of a shift in roster-building strategy, aimed at cutting future cash spending in anticipation of making quarterback Brock Purdy one of the league's highest-paid players.

The 49ers made 11 total draft selections, using their first five picks—six overall—to bolster the defense.

"[DE] Mykel Williams could be a terrific pick in time, and I like [DTs] Alfred Collins and CJ West to earn snaps inside," Edholm noted. "We'll see if the Niners plugged enough holes this offseason, but they allocated their resources well, I think. Brock Purdy's extension feels like the next order of business, but San Francisco also has to take care of George Kittle."

RELATED 49ers sign George Kittle to four-year, $76.4M contract extension

The 49ers checked off that last item on Tuesday morning, signing Kittle to a four-year, $76.4 million extension, once again making him the NFL's highest-paid tight end.

"I know people are a little down on the 49ers, relatively speaking, but remember the last time they fell off, with a 6-10 season in 2020?" Edholm added. "They followed that up with three straight NFC Championship Game appearances. I'm counting on this team competing again under Kyle Shanahan."