San Francisco 49ers rookies report to training camp on Tuesday, with veterans set to arrive a week later. The ramp-up to the 2025 NFL season is about to shift into high gear. Following a disappointing 6-11 campaign in 2024 and a significant roster overhaul, how are the 49ers being viewed heading into camp?

Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport released his pre-camp power rankings, and San Francisco fell within the middle of the pack—at No. 15.


Davenport views San Francisco similarly to the rest of the NFC West—full of potential, but not without flaws.

"What a difference a year makes," Davenport wrote. "At this point in 2024, the San Francisco 49ers headed into training camp as the defending NFC champions. As a leading contender to represent the conference again in Super Bowl LIX.

"What followed was an injury-ravaged six-win last-place faceplant. And now, after handing quarterback Brock Purdy a five-year, $265 million megadeal, the bill came due in Santa Clara."

The 49ers traded away an unhappy Deebo Samuel, sending the wide receiver to the Washington Commanders. Also gone are veteran contributors like linebacker Dre Greenlaw, cornerback Charvarius Ward, and safety Talanoa Hufanga.

Can the 49ers overcome their offseason losses?


"The Niners always get the benefit of the doubt because of their coaching staff," analyst Brent Sobleski commented. "However, San Francisco experienced significant roster turnover this offseason, as a way to offset the contract extension signed by quarterback Brock Purdy."

After acknowledging the key losses, Sobleski added, "The core pieces of Purdy, tight end George Kittle, left tackle Trent Williams, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, defensive end Nick Bosa, and linebacker Fred Warner remain in place--which means the 49ers are still dangerous."

As for the rest of the NFC West, the Los Angeles Rams ranked No. 8 in Davenport's power rankings, while the Arizona Cardinals came in at No. 20 and the Seattle Seahawks at No. 21.

49ers' interior offensive line remains a concern


CBS Sports' Josh Edwards recently named each NFC team's biggest remaining roster need. While some analysts point to concerns about the 49ers secondary, Edwards believes the interior offensive line remains the team's biggest weakness.

"Offensive guard Aaron Banks signed with the Packers in free agency and reserve offensive tackle Jaylon Moore signed with Kansas City," Edwards wrote. "The offensive line had already been a weakness despite the offensive structure taking some of the pressure off that unit, and they did little to change that in the offseason."


Despite widespread expectations, the 49ers did not use a top draft pick to address the offensive line. In fact, their only O-line selection didn't come until the seventh round with the addition of guard Connor Colby.

The good news is that the 49ers found a long-time contributor at right guard in last year's draft, with Dominick Puni emerging as a surprising rookie standout. However, the left guard position remains open, with Ben Bartch currently considered the frontrunner in what is expected to be a competitive training camp battle.

A contract situation to watch: Jauan Jennings


The Athletic recently highlighted one contract worth monitoring for each NFL team. With the 49ers already securing long-term deals for Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner, the next player to watch could be wide receiver Jauan Jennings.

Jennings is coming off a breakout season, posting career highs with 77 receptions, 975 yards, and six touchdowns. Known for his physicality and reliability, the fan-favorite could be poised for an even bigger role in 2025.

With Deebo Samuel gone and Brandon Aiyuk recovering from ACL and MCL injuries, the 49ers may lean heavily on the 28-year-old veteran.


"Jennings, a seventh-round pick out of Tennessee in 2020, is entering the final season of a two-year, $15.4 million contract extension," wrote Vic Tafur of The Athletic, "and he had to notice the 49ers securing the futures of Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner this offseason. Not that Jennings is on that level, but offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said last month that Jennings sees himself as a No. 1 receiver, 'and that's why we love Jauan.'"

With Aiyuk working his way back and the first-round investment in Ricky Pearsall last year, we'll see what the 49ers decide to do with Jennings. They'd certainly love to keep him around. However, that all depends on his perceived market value.

Will Christian McCaffrey bounce back?


In a recent NFL.com feature, Tom Blair selected one player to root for from each NFC team. His pick for the 49ers is Christian McCaffrey.

The star running back had a tough 2024 season, limited to just four games due to Achilles tendinitis and later a PCL injury that sent him back to the injured reserve list.

Just one year earlier, in 2023, McCaffrey had put together an NFL Offensive Player of the Year campaign with 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns—his second career 2,000-yard season.


"Maybe 2024 was just a natural step-down from such a high workload, and he'll easily bounce back again, just as he did following a similar blip in production following his first 2,000-scrimmage-yard effort, in 2019 with the Panthers," Blair wrote. "Then again, he's 29 now, with that much more mileage on his legs. Knowing how time and age generally work, it would be great to get to watch at least one more mega-wattage McCaffrey campaign."

Mykel Williams: Boom or bust?


Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox sees potential in first-round draft pick Mykel Williams, but also cautions that he may not make an immediate impact. In a feature predicting each team's biggest potential bust, Knox named Williams for the 49ers.

"Williams entered the draft with intriguing physical traits but with limited proven production (14 sacks in three seasons)," Knox noted. "He may not step into a significant rookie role either, as the 49ers traded for Bryce Huff post-draft to help complement Nick Bosa on the edge."

While expectations are high for first-round picks, Knox suggests Williams may be in for a developmental year.

What Knox doesn't mention is Williams' versatility, a trait that could help him see the field more than expected. He's a strong run defender capable of lining up both on the edge and the interior. Meanwhile, most view Huff as a pass-rushing specialist, and not as a significant run-defense contributor.


That potentially opens the door for creative packages involving a potent Bosa-Williams-Huff trio on obvious passing downs.

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