ESPN's Mike Clay recently released his rookie stat projections for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. These projections, which Clay notes are his own, are based on a combination of league, team, coaching, and player trends, along with anticipated depth chart positions, roles, and potential missed time due to injury.
Three San Francisco 49ers draft picks landed in the top five of three major statistical categories—first-round defensive end Mykel Williams (sacks), and third-rounders Nick Martin (tackles) and Upton Stout (interceptions).
Clay projects Williams to record six sacks in his rookie campaign, tying him for the top spot among first-year pass rushers alongside Abdul Carter (Giants) and Jalon Walker (Falcons). Williams is expected to benefit significantly from playing opposite All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa.
At linebacker, Martin is projected to finish with 58 tackles—tied for second among rookies with cornerback Jahdae Barron (Broncos) and trailing only Ravens safety Malaki Starks (71).
"Martin is our top projected tackler at the position, as the third-rounder should carve out a role next to Fred Warner in San Francisco," Clay noted.
Meanwhile, Stout's one projected interception is enough to crack the top five among rookies, as no player is forecasted to grab more than two this season.
"These always seem super low, and that's not by accident," Clay said of the interceptions projection. "Rookies are averaging a total of 42.2 interceptions per season over the past decade. There were 48 interceptions by first-year players in 2024, which tied for the second-highest mark in that span. But in four of the past six seasons, rookies combined for fewer than 40 INTs."
While projections don't guarantee success, Clay's outlook suggests that the 49ers' 2025 draft class could make an immediate impact, particularly on defense. That's precisely what the team was counting on during this offseason's roster overhaul.