Four 49ers draft picks named among ESPN’s top 100 selections

ESPN analyst Matt Miller ranked his top 100 picks, steals, and fits from the 2025 NFL Draft, and four San Francisco 49ers selections earned a spot on the list. Miller based his rankings on value, scheme fit, positional need, and projected on-field contributions.

The highest-ranked 49ers pick was defensive end Mykel Williams, the team's top selection out of Georgia, who landed at No. 38.

"Williams played well in two big games against Texas, but an ankle injury in Week 1 lingered all season and carried over to his pre-draft testing," Miller wrote. "He was regarded as an elite prospect entering the 2024 season and will get a chance to thrive with All-Pro Nick Bosa drawing attention opposite him. New defensive coordinator Robert Saleh can unlock Williams' considerable potential."

Fourth-round pick CJ West, the 49ers' new defensive tackle out of Indiana, came in at No. 78.

"The 49ers made a commitment to stopping the run in this draft, and West will see early reps along the defensive line as a potential developmental starter at 3-technique," Miller wrote.

Also selected in the fourth round, former Ole Miss wide receiver Jordan Watkins ranked No. 90 on Miller's list.

"The 49ers probably could have landed Watkins later, but his speed and vertical route-running skills are an asset," Miller explained. "Turn on his five-touchdown game against Arkansas and you'll see the vision of this pick."

Rounding out the group is running back Jordan James, the team's fifth-round pick out of Oregon, who just made the cut.

"Kyle Shanahan can't resist Day 3 running backs, and it felt like a real need after the team traded Jordan Mason to the Vikings," Miller noted. "We saw what injuries did to the 49ers' backfield last season. The hard-running James will likely start as the team's RB3."