Unfortunately, Williams' rookie season never fully materialized. His year—and early development—came to an abrupt end in Week 9 due to a torn right ACL. Williams finished the season with 20 tackles (four for loss), three quarterback hits, and one sack before landing on injured reserve.
ESPN recently revisited the 2025 NFL Draft with the benefit of hindsight, conducting a redraft based on what was learned during the 2025 season. A panel of ESPN reporters re-evaluated early picks, replacing less productive selections or addressing roster needs that became more apparent throughout the season.
49ers beat writer Nick Wagoner handled San Francisco's selection at No. 11 in the exercise. Instead of Williams, Wagoner opted for Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, a player whom the Tampa Bay Buccaneers originally selected with the No. 19 overall pick.
"The 49ers had strong interest in [Arizona WR Tetairoa] McMillan around the draft, but he was off the board," Wagoner wrote. "And though Williams showed promise, Egbuka would have helped stabilize a position that has a lot of question marks."
San Francisco entered the 2025 season hoping to get Brandon Aiyuk back, but that never happened, and the veteran wide receiver now appears out the door. Jauan Jennings proved productive but is set to become a free agent, while second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall spent much of the season battling injuries.
Egbuka, meanwhile, finished his rookie campaign with 63 receptions for 938 yards and six touchdowns—more receiving production than any player on the 49ers' roster.
"Although Egbuka's fast start turned into a slow finish, he'd be the best and most proven wideout under contract for the Niners right now," Wagoner added.
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