But did Reuter adequately address the 49ers' many needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft?
He starts by bolstering the secondary. While many expect San Francisco to target the trenches early, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson has become a popular first-round projection for the team, and that's precisely who Reuter has them selecting at No. 11.
"The departure of Charvarius Ward leads the 49ers to pick Johnson," Reuter explained. "His lack of demonstrable elite long speed (he has not run a public pre-draft 40, thanks in part to a hamstring injury, and suffered a season-ending foot injury last year) might make him available here.
"Johnson's ball awareness and secure tackling as a zone defender jibe with the zone-heavy scheme Kyle Shanahan and Robert Saleh leaned on when last together in 2020."
Reuter continues addressing both sides of the ball in the following rounds. In Round 2, he gives the 49ers Ohio State guard Donovan Jackson, adding much-needed depth and youth to the offensive line. From there, the focus shifts back to defense, with Florida State defensive tackle Joshua Farmer and Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke coming in Round 3.
On Day 3, Reuter fills out the roster with a mix of playmakers and depth pieces, including a wide receiver, tight end, tackle, running back, linebacker, and two more defensive linemen.
Here's a look at Reuter's full 11-player haul for the 49ers:
- Round 1, Pick 11: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
- Round 2, Pick 43: Donovan Jackson, OG, Ohio State
- Round 3, Pick 75: Joshua Farmer, DT, Florida State
- Round 3, Pick 100: Denzel Burke, CB, Ohio State
- Round 4, Pick 113: Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
- Round 4, Pick 138: Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State
- Round 5, Pick 147: Luke Lachey, TE, Iowa
- Round 5, Pick 160: John Williams, OT, Cincinnati
- Round 7, Pick 227: Ahmed Hassanein, DE, Boise State
- Round 7, Pick 249: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Arizona
- Round 7, Pick 252: Sebastian Valdez, DT, Washington
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers address key needs in 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft
In his latest three-round 2026 NFL mock draft for NFL.com, draft analyst Chad Reuter projects the San Francisco 49ers addressing some pressing offseason needs, of which there are several. Although San Francisco finished 12-5 and secured a playoff victory last season, the team... -
49ers could play two international games in 2026—and not everyone is happy
The NFL announced on Thursday that the San Francisco 49ers will face the Los Angeles Rams in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Melbourne, Australia. The matchup is expected to take place in Week 1, though the official date has not yet been announced. The Australia game... -
49ers add explosive YAC weapon in Cynthia Frelund's 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to address their wide receiver depth this offseason, whether through free agency or the 2026 NFL Draft. If they pursue help in free agency, the 49ers could target a proven veteran capable of starting on the outside and stretching the field.... -
49ers address 'desperate' need in latest Field Yates 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with multiple roster needs, but wide receiver stands out near the top of the list. Adding an outside speed threat to complement quarterback Brock Purdy could be critical to maintaining a productive offense. Brandon Aiyuk's...