"It is essential to note that this is not a judgment; it serves merely as a reference point," Chichester clarified. "After all, taking the 10th-ranked player at No. 11 is hardly a steal, just as grabbing the 25th-ranked player at No. 20 isn't really a reach."
According to the analytics site, former Iowa guard Connor Colby was the 49ers' biggest steal. He was ranked No. 198 on PFF's big board but was selected in the seventh round with the No. 249 overall pick.
The 6-foot-6, 310-pound offensive lineman started 50 games during his college career, including 44 at guard. In 2024, he allowed just two sacks and 10 pressures over 316 pass-blocking snaps (743 total).
The 49ers' second-best value pick was former Indiana defensive tackle CJ West, who ranked No. 72 on PFF's big board but wasn't selected until the fourth round at No. 113 overall.
On the other end of the spectrum, former Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin was labeled the team's biggest reach. San Francisco selected him in the third round at No. 75 overall, despite a No. 198 ranking on PFF's board—123 spots lower.
Martin missed seven games in 2024 due to a knee injury but still tallied 47 tackles (eight for a loss), a sack, and two passes defensed. However, in 2023, he posted an impressive 140 tackles (16 for a loss), six interceptions, and two pass breakups over 14 starts.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers add explosiveness to offense in PFF's 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to pursue a veteran wide receiver in free agency, especially with Brandon Aiyuk's time in the Bay Area appearing to wind down. But head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch may also use the 2026 NFL Draft to add another weapon... -
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan reveals key goal to beat Colts in Week 16
The San Francisco 49ers clinched a playoff berth Sunday after the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Detroit Lions. Still, the 49ers have plenty at stake heading into Monday night's Week 16 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Entering the game, San Francisco is slotted as... -
John Lynch reveals what 49ers saw from Kurtis Rourke during practice window
The San Francisco 49ers opened the 21-day practice window for quarterback Kurtis Rourke on December 8. That window closes Monday, and it is unlikely the 49ers will activate the rookie from the non-football injury (NFI) list this season. That expectation isn't new. The team... -
49ers' Kyle Shanahan reveals expectations for Brock Purdy in Week 18 showdown vs. Seahawks
The San Francisco 49ers have a lot at stake in Saturday night's regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium. The winner will claim the NFC West title and secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs, which includes home-field advantage throughout the...