Every year, the front office uses Indianapolis to confirm what the film already suggested. Athletic thresholds, positional versatility, football IQ, and scheme fit all matter in a Kyle Shanahan–John Lynch draft room.
Here are 11 prospects I'll be watching closely at the Combine — players who could either solidify their stock or force their way into the 49ers' conversation.
Offensive Prospects
QB — Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)
Nussmeier is one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in this class. He has the arm talent to attack all three levels and thrives in aggressive downfield concepts.
At the Combine, I'll be watching:
• Velocity and timing in throwing drills
• Footwork consistency
• Command in interviews
The 49ers may not be actively shopping for a quarterback, but they always evaluate upside. Nussmeier's arm talent is worth monitoring.
RB — Mike Washington (Arkansas)
Washington runs with violence and balance. His contact balance and burst make him an interesting mid-round option.
Key Combine indicators:
• 10-yard split (explosiveness)
• Shuttle time (change of direction)
• Pass-catching drills
San Francisco values versatile backs. If Washington tests well, he could rise quickly.
WR — Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana)
Cooper brings size and body control. The 49ers have historically targeted receivers who can win after the catch and operate in layered route concepts.
Watch for:
• 3-cone
• Route precision in drills
• Hands consistency
If he checks those boxes, he becomes very interesting for Shanahan's offense.
TE — Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon)
Sadiq is one of my favorite tight ends in this class. He brings vertical ability and fluidity that fit modern offenses.
Important metrics:
• 40 time
• Vertical jump
• Fluidity in positional drills
San Francisco loves mismatch creators. Sadiq could be that type of weapon.
RELATED
OT — Max Iheanachor (Arizona State)
The 49ers must continue preparing for the future along the offensive line. Iheanachor's frame and length are impressive.
I'm watching:
• Arm length
• Agility drills
• Anchor strength
If he tests well, his projection climbs.
IOL — Beau Stephens (Iowa)
Iowa linemen typically arrive pro-ready. Stephens brings physicality and discipline.
Combine focus:
• Short shuttle
• Bench press
• Movement efficiency
Interior line depth is never a bad investment.
Defensive Prospects
EDGE — Derrick Moore (Michigan)
Moore fits the 49ers' defensive DNA — power, length, and relentless effort.
Key indicators:
• 10-yard split
• Bend in drills
• Weight/length measurements
San Francisco prioritizes explosiveness off the edge.
IDL — Lee Hunter (Texas Tech)
Interior pressure matters. Hunter's ability to collapse the pocket could elevate him into Day 2 consideration.
Watch:
• Burst off the snap
• Hand usage in drills
• Power metrics
The 49ers can always use rotational disruption in the interior.
LB — Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech)
Rodriguez brings instincts and tackling consistency.
Combine evaluation:
• Speed in coverage drills
• Fluidity
• Football IQ in interviews
Linebacker depth has become increasingly important.
CB — Chris Johnson (San Diego State)
Johnson's physicality stands out on tape.
Important Combine areas:
• 40-yard dash
• Transition quickness
• Ball tracking
Corner remains a position where athletic testing can significantly impact stock.
S — Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo)
McNeil-Warren plays with range and confidence.
Key testing:
• 40 time
• Vertical
• Position drills
San Francisco values versatility in the secondary. If he tests well, his stock could surge.
Final Thoughts
The Combine doesn't replace film — it confirms it.
For the 49ers, Indianapolis is about finding:
• Explosiveness
• Length
• Versatility
• Scheme fit
• Competitive mentality
These 11 prospects have the traits to either solidify their standing or dramatically improve it next week.
Draft season is officially here — and this is where boards begin to shift.
Written By:
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne "Breezie" Brown
Wayne Breezie is a 49ers content creator. He had his first guest appearance on Ronbosports in 2012. He began writing for a Facebook group called the League of the 49ers. Next, he began writing for Nothing But Niners in 2017. In 2018, Wayne Breezie made his debut on YouTube’s Nothing But Niners show. In 2019, he started his podcast called Nitty Gritty Niners. After putting the pen down for several years, Breezie saw an opportunity to write for 49erscap.com. His first published article was in January of 2022 with 49ersCap, and he currently writes and produces weekly podcasts.
All articles by Wayne "Breezie" Brown