Three San Francisco 49ers draft picks landed in the top five of three major statistical categories—first-round defensive end Mykel Williams (sacks), and third-rounders Nick Martin (tackles) and Upton Stout (interceptions).
Clay projects Williams to record six sacks in his rookie campaign, tying him for the top spot among first-year pass rushers alongside Abdul Carter (Giants) and Jalon Walker (Falcons). Williams is expected to benefit significantly from playing opposite All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa.
At linebacker, Martin is projected to finish with 58 tackles—tied for second among rookies with cornerback Jahdae Barron (Broncos) and trailing only Ravens safety Malaki Starks (71).
"Martin is our top projected tackler at the position, as the third-rounder should carve out a role next to Fred Warner in San Francisco," Clay noted.
Meanwhile, Stout's one projected interception is enough to crack the top five among rookies, as no player is forecasted to grab more than two this season.
"These always seem super low, and that's not by accident," Clay said of the interceptions projection. "Rookies are averaging a total of 42.2 interceptions per season over the past decade. There were 48 interceptions by first-year players in 2024, which tied for the second-highest mark in that span. But in four of the past six seasons, rookies combined for fewer than 40 INTs."
While projections don't guarantee success, Clay's outlook suggests that the 49ers' 2025 draft class could make an immediate impact, particularly on defense. That's precisely what the team was counting on during this offseason's roster overhaul.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Brock Purdy left out of ESPN's top-10 quarterback rankings
The debate over where San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's elite continues. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler continued his annual NFL position rankings this week, unveiling his list of the league's top quarterbacks. The rankings are based on feedback from NFL... -
Graziano weighs in on 49ers QB Brock Purdy's ESPN ranking snub
The debate over where Brock Purdy ranks among the NFL's elite quarterbacks intensified this week after the San Francisco 49ers signal-caller was left out of ESPN's top-10 quarterback rankings, which were compiled using feedback from NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Despite... -
49ers' Mike Evans left off ESPN's top-10 wide receiver rankings
The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran wide receiver Mike Evans this offseason as part of a major overhaul of their receiving corps. The hope is that the six-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion can elevate the offense while giving quarterback Brock Purdy a dependable... -
Where 49ers' Fred Warner landed in ESPN's off-ball linebacker rankings after injury
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner remains one of the NFL's most respected defensive players. Although he missed 11 games last season after suffering a dislocated and fractured right ankle, the All-Pro linebacker still earned the top spot in a prominent offseason...