The San Francisco 49ers 2025 draft "is the most important draft of [Kyle] Shanahan's nine years as the 49ers' coach." Those are the words of NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller of ESPN, who believes this is a critical offseason for Shanahan and GM John Lynch. And he's right.

The 49ers are coming off a 6-11 injury-plagued season in which they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020. After losing the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs in February of 2020, the 49ers did not respond well. They were riddled with injuries during the 2020 season and finished 6-10, which was good for last place in the NFC West.


But the 49ers bounced back after that season. They had back-to-back NFC Championship Game losses in 2021 and 2022, followed by another Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs in February of 2024. Just like the 2019 49ers, the 2023 team struggled the next season and finished last in the division. But one major difference this offseason seems to be Jed York's desire to spend less, leading to the departures of some key players like Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Javon Hargrave, Aaron Banks, and Maliek Collins. And if it's truly the case that York is tightening his wallet, the upcoming 2025 draft will be the most important of the Shanahan-Lynch regime, as Miller points out.

In his latest article (written with Jordan Reid), Miller wrote, "...the Niners must replace the core players who departed while also drafting for future needs at left tackle and tight end. Shanahan and GM John Lynch have been average in the draft, and now that they're seemingly moving into quarterback Brock Purdy's second contract, they must hit on future starters in the early rounds. They have 12 selections in this draft, including four in the top 100."

The 49ers have 11 draft picks (not 12) in April's draft, but as Miller mentioned, four of them are in the top 100. Last year's draft class looks like a very good one for San Francisco, with six of the picks playing a lot with the team in 2024. Five of those players played significant roles as rookies.

"Reloading on the fly isn't new to San Francisco," Miller wrote. "The 49ers had the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 draft, which they used to pick edge rusher Nick Bosa. They finished that following season in the Super Bowl. The window to win is still open so long as Bosa, McCaffrey, and tight end George Kittle are healthy. But they will need instant-impact rookies from the draft.

"At No. 11 overall, the 49ers should have an eye on the best available offensive lineman -- Will Campbell (LSU) would be a plug-and-play left guard who could eventually succeed Williams at left tackle. The Niners can target defenders on Day 2. Cornerback Benjamin Morrison (Notre Dame) and defensive tackle Joshua Farmer (Florida State) would fill two core needs."


It's hard to argue with Miller regarding what position the 49ers need to address at pick 11. San Francisco needs an offensive tackle. But the defensive line is currently razor thin. And in 2024, the 49ers' defense was not good, with their run defense ranking near the bottom of the league. Many believe the team should (and will) address the defensive line first. That seems to be the most logical choice, but Miller is correct in suggesting the 49ers can address the defensive line on day two. This draft is teeming with talent along the defensive line.

Regardless of the position they choose first, the 49ers must pick a difference-maker. After all, this is the most important draft of Shanahan's nine years in Santa Clara. I'm sure he and Lynch know that, too.

Written By:

Marc Adams


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