My family knows that once the season ends, I start looking toward the NFL draft.
Correction: If the San Francisco 49ers are in the playoff hunt and beyond, I think of the season first, but even in October, I am also thinking about the draft.
I am not a former player or draft expert, but I read those opinions, watch a lot of college football, study the measurables at the NFL Combine (take them with a grain of salt), pay attention to the all-star games, and of the players I've identified over the years, I have a pretty good record of who will do well and who won't.
I don't have the encyclopedic knowledge that Mel Kiper, Matt Miller, Daniel Jeremiah, and others have, but I sometimes know the late picks.
To give you an idea of my skills, I identified Mac Jones as better than Trey Lance and loved the Brock Purdy pick. I didn't think Purdy would be the star he is, but when the 49ers took him, I said, "Great pick. He's someone we can develop."
I thought Javon Kinlaw was a horrible pick, and I loved the Dominick Puni selection. This past year, Upton Stout was one of my favorites. (I also loved CJ West. We'll see how he does.)
On other teams, I identified Russell Wilson as a star. I saw Bradley Bozeman, Landon Dickerson, and Tanor Bortolini as good offensive linemen. N'Keal Harry was a waste. Keenan Allen was a steal. (That one's not really impressive. Half the Faithful were upset about the Niners passing on him.)
If they had asked me, I would have told Lions fans Jahmyr Gibbs was not a reach at 12, and the Niners that Brian Robinson would be better than Tyrion Davis-Price. (As an Alabama grad, I watch a lot of SEC football.)
But I can't say I haven't missed, too. I thought Bo Nix was a second- or third-round pick. I thought Trae Waynes would light it up, Barrett Jones would be a 10-year starter, and boy, oh, boy, was I wrong about Trent Richardson.
In this article, I will first identify the 49ers' needs going into this year's draft. I am not going to look at all positions. For instance, there is no reason to do a deep dive on running backs. We know that Christian McCaffrey is their starter, and we know Kyle Shanahan will probably draft a running back at some point. (Please, football gods, don't let it be before the fifth round. He's terrible at getting good ones early.)
Wide receiver
The 49ers currently have the following receivers (list alphabetically):
- Kendrick Bourne
- Jacob Cowing
- Jauan Jennings
- Skyy Moore
- Ricky Pearsall
- Demarcus Robinson
- Jordan Watkins
I am not including Brandon Aiyuk. Everyone knows he'll be gone.
Of these, Jennings, Moore, and Bourne are free agents, and Demarcus Robinson is a free agent after this coming season. I am all for signing Jennings if his demands are reasonable, which to me puts him in the $20 million range — what good #2 receivers are getting. San Francisco must re-sign Moore because he is an outstanding return man.
I don't see a true No. 1 receiver on the list, and injuries are a constant with this group.
Verdict: Strong need
Tight end
Tonges is a restricted free agent. As the primary receiving backup to Kittle, he must—and will—be re-signed. Farrell was signed to be a blocking tight end and was average in that role. Willis has been on the team for several years and has kept that spot due to special teams play.
While many might feel there is a significant need at the position. However, Tonges has been so good. Additionally, Kittle is expected to return at full health.
Verdict: Slight need
That said, I have seen mock drafts that have the 49ers taking tight end Kenyon Sadiq in the first round, and I would understand such a move.
Offensive tackle
I am not including Spencer Burford here because he primarily plays guard.
Williams will end up in the Hall of Fame. He will also be 38 when training camp commences. McKivitz is average. The other two are emergency options. (Note: the Niners just re-signed Pleasants.)
Verdict: Strong need
Interior offensive line
- Ben Bartch
- Jake Brendel
- Spencer Burford
- Connor Colby
- Matt Hennessy
- Dominick Puni
Burford and Bartch are free agents, but neither is starting-caliber. Puni had a good rookie season two years ago, took a step back last year, but has talent. Brendel is a veteran—and a liability.
Verdict: Strong need
Defensive end/edge rusher
Ferrell and Gross-Matos are unrestricted free agents, and Okuayinonu is a restricted free agent. I would re-sign Ferrell and Okuayinonu and let Gross-Matos go. Unfortunately, he has not been healthy for the past two years. Bryce Huff will be a free agent in 2027.
The problem with evaluating this group is that the two best—Bosa and Williams—are coming off injuries. If both are healthy, the need at edge might not be great. But if Huff—a situational pass rusher—is not going to be around in a year, then another edge rusher needs to be added.
Verdict: Mid need
That is unless the Niners know something about Bosa and Williams that has not been disclosed. In that case, it would be a strong need.
Interior defensive line
Of these, Elliott and Givens are unrestricted free agents, and Davis is a restricted free agent. Collins showed promise last year, but he was a rookie. West also just got his feet wet last year. Elliott has been average, and San Francisco's biggest weakness—even when everyone is healthy—is stopping the run.
Verdict: Strong need
Cornerback
- Renardo Green
- Deommodore Lenoir
- Chase Lucas
- Darrell Luter Jr.
- Upton Stout
I am including Jason Pinnock with the safeties. He played both safety and corner at times last year.
Lucas is the lone free agent, and he is a valuable backup, especially since he can play the slot. Stout was selected in the third round last year and did a very good job. Lenoir has been excellent. Renardo Green, however, has been inconsistent but shows talent.
Verdict: Mid need
Safety
- Ji'Ayir Brown
- Malik Mustapha
- Siran Neal
- Jason Pinnock
- Marques Sigle
Pinnock is the one free agent in this group, and he did not play well enough to consider him more than an average backup. That means he's replaceable. The 49ers' starters, though, Brown and Mustapha, have been erratic. Sigle was a rookie last year and showed some talent.
Verdict: Mid need
Linebacker
- Tatum Bethune
- Luke Gifford
- Jalen Graham
- Eric Kendricks
- Curtis Robinson
- Garret Wallow
- Fred Warner
- Dee Winters
Kendricks, Wallow, Robinson, and Gifford are all unrestricted free agents. Kendricks was essential when so many players went down this past season. He should be re-signed. Gifford made the Pro Bowl for special teams play. Like with Moore, he needs to be re-signed for that.
There are so many names on this list in part because, with all of the injuries last year, several players got playing time. So, if there is a silver lining to those injuries (can there be such a thing?), it is that the 49ers got to see quite a few play in real games rather than just in the preseason.
We know that Warner is an all-world linebacker, and Winters is one of the most improved players in the league. Bethune is athletically gifted but still raw. Wallow is a solid depth piece.
Verdict: Slight need
So there you have it. Now you get to vote on what position we should draft in the first round. The rule is that someone is available who would be worthy of a selection in that round.
My choices for the first three rounds:
- 1st round: Offensive tackle
- 2nd round: Wide receiver
- 3rd round: Interior offensive line