2025 Draft Prospect Watch List and Discussion

Originally posted by Sask49erFan:
When did Lynch say he wanted to go after Higgins?

If he did that would be tampering.

He didn't. Some random talk show guy (I think Lombardi) said Higgins in SF would be scary. Zero legs to SF wanting Higgins

Originally posted by NYniner85:
I'm just trying to keep things realistic, it's not like going DL early would be some massive reach either. In an ideal world Graham is there or they move down and still get the DL (or OL) that they want and have more picks to navigate around to get the guys they want instead of taking whatever is there.

trenches need to be the priority to get s**t straight. Maybe it's fixed in FA, but I highly doubt that

I think we will absolutely add a few guys in free agency.

We tried to fill those holes after we let Armstead leave. Elliot was supposed to be the run stopping NT that could penetrate, Collins was supposed to be the 3T to take on double teams next to Bosa and get pressure and Gross Matos was supposed to be the big end to set the edge and move inside to rush the passer in the nickle and Floyd was supposed to be the designated pass rusher.

None of those moves paid off for a variety of reasons mainly injuries. The Hargrave injury hit the hardest because it forced guys to play more than they should have.

All those 4 are in the last years of their deal and there are quite a few free agents available and we will have money to spend. The only guy I expect to be back is Floyd and he won't be playing the same role as a base and.

I think we sign at least 2, maybe 3 guys and draft at least 3 guys high.

Originally posted by Sask49erFan:
I think we will absolutely add a few guys in free agency.

We tried to fill those holes after we let Armstead leave. Elliot was supposed to be the run stopping NT that could penetrate, Collins was supposed to be the 3T to take on double teams next to Bosa and get pressure and Gross Matos was supposed to be the big end to set the edge and move inside to rush the passer in the nickle and Floyd was supposed to be the designated pass rusher.

None of those moves paid off for a variety of reasons mainly injuries. The Hargrave injury hit the hardest because it forced guys to play more than they should have.

All those 4 are in the last years of their deal and there are quite a few free agents available and we will have money to spend. The only guy I expect to be back is Floyd and he won't be playing the same role as a base and.

I think we sign at least 2, maybe 3 guys and draft at least 3 guys high.

I think Collins is a fine one gapping 3-tech. He's not a space eater though. Anderson can be that big body guy and I thought played well for what he was asked to do.

Bosa is Bosa and the rest of the guys are super underwhelming.

FA will be interesting.

If we can sign a veteran WR, this is what I have in mind pre-combine in my trade back scenario. Once in the late 3rd round and have two DL and our G drafted we should get aggressive about saying yes to any trade backs to accumulate picks between 120-160 as long as close to fair value on the draft value chart.

#13. Traded to Cincy for #17, #81, #118, and a 2026 5th
#17. Traded to TB for #19 and #84
#19. Walter Nolen DL (If he is not there just sub in Green/Pearce Jr/Grant one will be there and if Green/Pearce just sub out Antwuan Powell-Ryland EDGE below with Darius Alexander DL or JJ Pegues DL)
#43. Donovan Jackson G (if he is not there sub in Wyatt Milum G. Otherwise here is where we go Princely EDGE and grab Ratledge G in the 3rd round)
#75. TJ Sanders DL
#81. Andrew Makuba S / Kevin Winston Jr S
#84. Traded with #255 to MIN for #97 and #140
#97. Traded to NE for #105 and #145
#99. Anthony Belton OT (will be our long-term LT for Trent in two years and plays RT for now)
#105. Ricky White WR
#112. Traded with #228 to GB for #123 and #160
#118. Terrence Ferguson TE
#123. Antwuan Powell-Ryland EDGE
#138. Demetrius Knight LB
#139. CJ West DL (We met with him - good chance we find a way to pick him)
#140. Jah Joyner EDGE (We met with him - good chance we find a way to pick him)
#145. Ty Robinson DL
#160. Jake Majors C
#189. Jacory Croskey-Merrit RB (we met with him)

I liken this draft I like the idea of bringing in four new studs at DL and two in the first three picks, as well as one of the top LG to replace Banks immediately. Throw Evan Anderson and DJ Jones into the mix and that's a great 6-man DL rotation with two new young edge rushers to supplement.

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Cisco0623:

Originally posted by Hysterikal:

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by 49ers808:
I think it would be Lenoir. But Green would be CB3 with Demo outside in base

So we paid Lenior $89M to be primarily a NCB?

That's not a problem. Hardest position on defense.

Exactly my thought. Johnson is a good prospect. This isnt a bad thing.

Originally posted by Hysterikal:
I'm liking all the people connecting us with Asante Samuel Jr. I know you liked him coming out years back. If we had a Samuel and Lenoir base and Green coming in for nickel with Lenoir kicking inside that would be pretty damn good. Just gotta fix that glaring issue wearing 27

1000000%, but this draft is deep at safety (Plenty of FS with range and speed to compliment Mustapha).

Originally posted by Kolohe:
Lenoir would go to the slot with Johnson and Green outside, that would be sick.

Yes sir! I love Ward but it sounds like he will move on with zero ill will and we all get it, but this isn't a bad alternative.

I think my point overall is while I like Johnson and I'm never against drafting good players, especially ones that will actually play a lot right off the bat…it's not really how they build a defense.

We all know the defense goes as the DL goes. I believe at one pt we had 7 1st rd guys on the DL (back in 2019). We NEED to be able to get to the QB rushing 4 to make this defense go.

We're not a team that plays a ton of man coverage, usually you spend those higher picks on guys that can get up on the LOS and lock down WRs in man.

I meant for pick 11 I am pretty much BPA aside WR. TBH our WR room is ok assuming we get BA back. BA, Jenning and Persall are the guys. I like Cowning too.

I see this draft very deep at Dline and especially DT. After Graham I would argue Walter Nolan, but not at 11 for me. The next 10+ dt could all be interchangeable with how it projects today. My point is we can load up on DT in round 4 and 5 and these guys would probably still be a great upgrade.

So far lately in my draft simulation tinkering I agree with Jeremiah. If we have the opportunity to trade down a couple of times, even with division rivals mind you, I often have us still getting one of Banks, Membou, or Booker (guy is plug and play imo) while picking up extra second rounders. ( and giving up some 4th and 5ths), but then I end up with a starting tackle, guard and center (grabbed Zabel or Mbow in round 2 with the extra picks from trades) and I still get two very good DT and a safety later on who culd probably start for us....

I still love Starks, BUT it is also a very deep safety draft and there are some serious speedsters who can do FS and NCB work etc. This provides Saleh insane flexibility etc

Linebacker is where I haven't done much homework yet. I feel like we need to assume no Greenlaw and we need that competent compliment to Fred. I defer to every here on who may be a good fit.

DJ just had his 2+ hr draft media conference call…always love listening to that before the draft.

We all talk about how deep this DL group is, these dudes are gonna get gobbled up real quick.

FWIW he talked about SF's ideal scenario is Graham being there at 11 because he might not test well overall at the combine or moving down a couple spots to get Nolen who he feels is taylor fit for our scheme.

Originally posted by Ezekiel38:
If we can sign a veteran WR, this is what I have in mind pre-combine in my trade back scenario. Once in the late 3rd round and have two DL and our G drafted we should get aggressive about saying yes to any trade backs to accumulate picks between 120-160 as long as close to fair value on the draft value chart.

#13. Traded to Cincy for #17, #81, #118, and a 2026 5th
#17. Traded to TB for #19 and #84
#19. Walter Nolen DL (If he is not there just sub in Green/Pearce Jr/Grant one will be there and if Green/Pearce just sub out Antwuan Powell-Ryland EDGE below with Darius Alexander DL or JJ Pegues DL)
#43. Donovan Jackson G (if he is not there sub in Wyatt Milum G. Otherwise here is where we go Princely EDGE and grab Ratledge G in the 3rd round)
#75. TJ Sanders DL
#81. Andrew Makuba S / Kevin Winston Jr S
#84. Traded with #255 to MIN for #97 and #140
#97. Traded to NE for #105 and #145
#99. Anthony Belton OT (will be our long-term LT for Trent in two years and plays RT for now)
#105. Ricky White WR
#112. Traded with #228 to GB for #123 and #160
#118. Terrence Ferguson TE
#123. Antwuan Powell-Ryland EDGE
#138. Demetrius Knight LB
#139. CJ West DL (We met with him - good chance we find a way to pick him)
#140. Jah Joyner EDGE (We met with him - good chance we find a way to pick him)
#145. Ty Robinson DL
#160. Jake Majors C
#189. Jacory Croskey-Merrit RB (we met with him)

I liken this draft I like the idea of bringing in four new studs at DL and two in the first three picks, as well as one of the top LG to replace Banks immediately. Throw Evan Anderson and DJ Jones into the mix and that's a great 6-man DL rotation with two new young edge rushers to supplement.

They aren't gonna draft 14 players. They haven't drafted 14 (or more) players since 1978

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Ezekiel38:
If we can sign a veteran WR, this is what I have in mind pre-combine in my trade back scenario. Once in the late 3rd round and have two DL and our G drafted we should get aggressive about saying yes to any trade backs to accumulate picks between 120-160 as long as close to fair value on the draft value chart.

#13. Traded to Cincy for #17, #81, #118, and a 2026 5th
#17. Traded to TB for #19 and #84
#19. Walter Nolen DL (If he is not there just sub in Green/Pearce Jr/Grant one will be there and if Green/Pearce just sub out Antwuan Powell-Ryland EDGE below with Darius Alexander DL or JJ Pegues DL)
#43. Donovan Jackson G (if he is not there sub in Wyatt Milum G. Otherwise here is where we go Princely EDGE and grab Ratledge G in the 3rd round)
#75. TJ Sanders DL
#81. Andrew Makuba S / Kevin Winston Jr S
#84. Traded with #255 to MIN for #97 and #140
#97. Traded to NE for #105 and #145
#99. Anthony Belton OT (will be our long-term LT for Trent in two years and plays RT for now)
#105. Ricky White WR
#112. Traded with #228 to GB for #123 and #160
#118. Terrence Ferguson TE
#123. Antwuan Powell-Ryland EDGE
#138. Demetrius Knight LB
#139. CJ West DL (We met with him - good chance we find a way to pick him)
#140. Jah Joyner EDGE (We met with him - good chance we find a way to pick him)
#145. Ty Robinson DL
#160. Jake Majors C
#189. Jacory Croskey-Merrit RB (we met with him)

I liken this draft I like the idea of bringing in four new studs at DL and two in the first three picks, as well as one of the top LG to replace Banks immediately. Throw Evan Anderson and DJ Jones into the mix and that's a great 6-man DL rotation with two new young edge rushers to supplement.

They aren't gonna draft 14 players. They haven't drafted 14 (or more) players since 1978

So you're saying we are due

Originally posted by NYniner85:

Originally posted by Ezekiel38:
If we can sign a veteran WR, this is what I have in mind pre-combine in my trade back scenario. Once in the late 3rd round and have two DL and our G drafted we should get aggressive about saying yes to any trade backs to accumulate picks between 120-160 as long as close to fair value on the draft value chart.

#13. Traded to Cincy for #17, #81, #118, and a 2026 5th
#17. Traded to TB for #19 and #84
#19. Walter Nolen DL (If he is not there just sub in Green/Pearce Jr/Grant one will be there and if Green/Pearce just sub out Antwuan Powell-Ryland EDGE below with Darius Alexander DL or JJ Pegues DL)
#43. Donovan Jackson G (if he is not there sub in Wyatt Milum G. Otherwise here is where we go Princely EDGE and grab Ratledge G in the 3rd round)
#75. TJ Sanders DL
#81. Andrew Makuba S / Kevin Winston Jr S
#84. Traded with #255 to MIN for #97 and #140
#97. Traded to NE for #105 and #145
#99. Anthony Belton OT (will be our long-term LT for Trent in two years and plays RT for now)
#105. Ricky White WR
#112. Traded with #228 to GB for #123 and #160
#118. Terrence Ferguson TE
#123. Antwuan Powell-Ryland EDGE
#138. Demetrius Knight LB
#139. CJ West DL (We met with him - good chance we find a way to pick him)
#140. Jah Joyner EDGE (We met with him - good chance we find a way to pick him)
#145. Ty Robinson DL
#160. Jake Majors C
#189. Jacory Croskey-Merrit RB (we met with him)

I liken this draft I like the idea of bringing in four new studs at DL and two in the first three picks, as well as one of the top LG to replace Banks immediately. Throw Evan Anderson and DJ Jones into the mix and that's a great 6-man DL rotation with two new young edge rushers to supplement.

They aren't gonna draft 14 players. They haven't drafted 14 (or more) players since 1978

So take out the last two picks and have them used instead to further help secure the other picks in a trade up etc.

Outside of the last pick we could use all of the other 13 players on this team. We are devoid of talent and depth in many places and need new injection of young talent on this team.

Originally posted by Ezekiel38:
So take out the last two picks and have them used instead to further help secure the other picks in a trade up etc.

Outside of the last pick we could use all of the other 13 players on this team. We are devoid of talent and depth in many places and need new injection of young talent on this team.

We won't be carrying 13 or 14 rookies. We already have 46 guys after we just signed the 7 ERFA's. We have 35 free agents and half of them should be back. Then we will be players in free agency.

Yes, some guys will be cut and some will be on the practice squad but I expect us to carry 7-9 rookies max including undrafted free agents.

Offense (20)

LT- Trent Williams
LG- Spencer Burford / Nick Zakelj
C- Jake Brendel / Matt Hennessy
RG- Dominick Puni
RT- Colton McKivitz / Austen Pleasants

WR1- Jauan Jennings
WR2- Rickey Pearsall
WR- WR4- Jacob Cowing
PUP- Brandon Aiuyk

TE1- George Kittle
TE- Brayden Willis
TE- Jake Tonges

QB1- Brock Purdy

RB- Christian McCaffrey
RB2- Issac Guerendo
RB3- Israel Abanikanda
FB- Kyle Juszczyk

Defense (23)

5T- Leonard Floyd / Yetur Gross Matos
1T- Jordan Elliot / Evan Anderson
3T- Maliek Collins / Khalia Davis
9T- Nick Bosa / Sam Okuayinonu
Robert Beal / Drake Jackson / Alex Barrett

WILL- Tatum Bethune
MIKE- Fred Warner / DaShaun White
SAM- Dee Winters / Jalen Graham

CB- Renardo Green / Tre Avery
CB- Deommodore Lenoir
Nickle- Darrell Luter
FS- Ji'Aiyr Brown / George Odum
SS- Malik Mustapha

Special Teams: (3)

K- Jake Moody
P- Mitch Wishnowski
LS- Taybor Pepper

Looking over that roster it's still pretty deep and we have a pile of star players.

DLine: We are pretty deep with experienced players but most of them are quality depth/rotational guys. If we add 3 starting calibre linemen it pushes Floyd, YGM, Collins and Elliot down the depth chart.

LB- The linebacking group might be the weakest unit on the roster. Neither Winters or Bethune should be starters. We desperately need two starters there

Secondary- We need an upgrade at FS too and Brown can be a viable backup. And we have no-one at NB and no depth.

Current roster holes to fill on defense:

1- WILL LB
2- MIKE LB
3- Nickle CB
4- CB depth

Postitions to upgrade:

1- DT
2- NT
3- DE
4- FS

Then on offense we really only need an upgrade at LG and C as for starters. We need WR and RB depth, a TE2 and a swing tackle and backup G.

Positions to upgrade on offense:

1- C
2- LG

Depth / backups needed:

1- WR
2- OT
3- RB
4- TE
5- OG

Lynch and co. Have their work cut out for them.

Oh and we probably need a kicker.

Late round crush. Curious to see his combine.

Dont'e Thornton Jr. | WR | Tennessee
6' 5" | 214
PFF Big Board: 211

https://www.sportsrenaissanceman.com/p/tennessee-football-departures-donte-thornton-jr-sampson
"That's why when you wonder who the Vols will miss most from the 2024 CFP team next season, my answer remains firmly Dont'e Thornton Jr."

Originally posted by Sask49erFan:
Looking over that roster it's still pretty deep and we have a pile of star players.

DLine: We are pretty deep with experienced players but most of them are quality depth/rotational guys. If we add 3 starting calibre linemen it pushes Floyd, YGM, Collins and Elliot down the depth chart.

LB- The linebacking group might be the weakest unit on the roster. Neither Winters or Bethune should be starters. We desperately need two starters there

Secondary- We need an upgrade at FS too and Brown can be a viable backup. And we have no-one at NB and no depth.

Current roster holes to fill on defense:

1- WILL LB
2- MIKE LB
3- Nickle CB
4- CB depth

Postitions to upgrade:

1- DT
2- NT
3- DE
4- FS

Then on offense we really only need an upgrade at LG and C as for starters. We need WR and RB depth, a TE2 and a swing tackle and backup G.

Positions to upgrade on offense:

1- C
2- LG

Depth / backups needed:

1- WR
2- OT
3- RB
4- TE
5- OG

Lynch and co. Have their work cut out for them.

Oh and we probably need a kicker.

I'm super confused why you think we're good on the DL.

Collins is the only proven starter at DT and has 1 year left on his contract.

Floyd and YGM are 1 year guys as well and YGM may be a cap casualty.

All of the depth behind them are just that. I like a bunch of our guys but I don't trust any of them to start at DT or NT long term.

I trust Winters to start at LB over any of those DTs.

Originally posted by genus49:
I'm super confused why you think we're good on the DL.

Collins is the only proven starter at DT and has 1 year left on his contract.

Floyd and YGM are 1 year guys as well and YGM may be a cap casualty.

All of the depth behind them are just that. I like a bunch of our guys but I don't trust any of them to start at DT or NT long term.

I trust Winters to start at LB over any of those DTs.

I didn't say we are good but at least we have players on the DL who can start as opposed LB where we only have Warner.

I fully expect us to hit the DLine hard. I'd be ok with 3 free agent signings and then draft 3 guys.

In all the mocks I've done I usually end up taking a guy at 11 and 43 and then in round 4 too.

This is my latest mock offseason:

Sign:
DT- Calais Campbell 6'8, 310
NT- Poona Ford 5'11, 310
DE- Dayo Odeyingbo 6'6, 290

Draft:
1.11- Derrick Harmon, DT- Oregon
2.43- David Walker, DE- Central Arkansas
4.112- JJ Pegues, NT- Ole Miss

5T- Dayo Odeyingbo / David Walker
1T- Poona Ford / JJ Pegues
3T- Calais Campbell / Derrick Harmon
9T- Nick Bosa / Leonard Floyd

DE- Sam Okuayinonu / Evan Anderson

Two of my favorite receivers in the draft. My favorite quote for drafting is "Don't over think it" Some GMs fall for the tape measure and combine numbers and pass on guys who can just flat out play. That's why Jamarcus Russell was picked 1st overall and Tom Brady fell to the 6th.

Xavier Restrepo and Jack Bech. They just get open and catch everything. I think either guy would be a great fit in our timing offense and Purdy's accuracy. They are just damn good football players plain and simple.

They compare Restrepo to Julian Edelman and Bech to Anquan Boldin. I'd take Restrepo at 2.43 and Bech at 3.74

Write-ups from nfldraftbuzz.com:

Restrepo:

• Manipulates defensive backs with advanced route-running nuance, particularly excelling at tempo changes that leave defenders flat-footed in man coverage
• Demonstrates elite short-area quickness and decisive cuts that create consistent separation on intermediate routes, especially from the slot
• Possesses veteran-level understanding of zone coverage, expertly finding soft spots and adjusting routes based on defensive leverage
• Shows exceptional concentration in traffic, consistently making tough catches through contact
• Displays advanced pre-snap recognition skills, consistently identifying blitzes and adjusting routes to become an immediate hot read
• Brings surprising play strength for his size, consistently fighting through press coverage attempts with sophisticated release techniques
• Exceptional production from the slot, showing particular expertise in option routes and finding space against zone
• Demonstrates high football IQ by working back to the quarterback and finding open space when plays break down

Restrepo's game screams Julian Edelman – a technician who turns the slot into an art form. His footwork in tight spaces is masterful, particularly on option routes where he absolutely carved up ACC defensive backs. The six-game stretch midseason where he averaged 8.2 catches showed exactly how he'll translate – working underneath, setting up defenders, and creating constant escape valves for his quarterback.

A West Coast system will maximize his skill set. Watch his tape against Duke – three touchdowns, all on concepts that NFL teams run weekly. He's got that innate ability to find soft spots against zone and shake man coverage with subtle head fakes and tempo changes. The kind of receiver who might not wow you in shorts, but put on any game from 2024 and you'll see a football player who just gets it. His understanding of leverage and spacing reminded me of watching Cooper Kupp's college tape.

Day two is where Restrepo should hear his name called. The Patriots' offense is crying out for his brand of route-running precision, and Kyle Shanahan would have a field day designing plays for his short-area quickness. What he lacks in pure physical tools, he makes up for with savage competitiveness and elite football IQ. This isn't a prospect who needs time to develop – he's ready to step in and command targets from day one.

Jack Bech:

• Elite catch focus and concentration in traffic - consistently extends away from his frame and snags throws with vice-grip hands even with defenders draped all over him
• Master of controlling catch space - uses sophisticated body positioning and timing to box out defenders like a power forward posting up in the paint
• Runs with controlled anger after the catch - consistently breaks first contact and shows outstanding contact balance when working through traffic
• Advanced understanding of finding soft spots against zone coverage - sits down in windows with veteran savvy and presents a clear target
• Physical hands fighter in press coverage - employs quick, decisive counters to defeat jam attempts and maintain clean release paths
• Exceptional ball tracking on deep throws - adjusts naturally to the ball in flight and rarely gets thrown off by late defensive contact
• Creates late separation at the top of routes through subtle push-offs and veteran savvy that borders on artistry
• Reliable chain-mover who rises to the moment - delivered multiple critical fourth-down conversions throughout his college career

Bech's film shows a receiver who can step in and contribute from day one in the right system. The fit matters here - teams running heavy play-action and needing a reliable intermediate target should have him higher on their board than those looking for a vertical field-stretcher. His skill set screams third-day steal, especially given his proven ability to win in contested situations and create after the catch.

The more tape I watch, the more convinced I am that Bech will outperform several receivers drafted ahead of him. He's not going to burn anyone deep, but his combination of physicality, route polish, and vice-grip hands reminds me of how Anquan Boldin carved out a stellar career without elite speed. Teams will need to scheme him touches in the short and intermediate areas where his strength and contact balance can shine. A creative offensive coordinator will move him around the formation, using him in bunch sets and as the point man in stack releases to help defeat press coverage.

In a class full of height-weight-speed specimens, Bech stands out as a player whose game is built on technical mastery rather than raw tools. He's shown enough on film to project as an immediate contributor in three-receiver sets, with the upside to develop into a dependable WR3 who quarterbacks trust in critical situations. Don't overthink this one - Bech is the type of receiver who simply knows how to get open and make tough catches when it matters most.