


A look at the 49ers’ 2025 draft class:
First round, No. 11 overall: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia, 6-5, 267
Credentials: Appeared in 40 games over three seasons and finished his career with 67 tackles, 21 1/2 tackles for losses and 14 sacks. Listed as defensive end but played all over in the front seven and even as a standup linebacker.
How he fits: Have the 49ers finally found the bookend pass rusher for Nick Bosa they have been seeking ever since Dee Ford? Considering the 49ers pass rush last season, anything less than double-digit sacks will be a disappointment.
Second round, No. 43 overall: Alfred Collins, defensive tackle, Texas, 6-5, 332
Credentials: Had 142 career tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 7 1/2 sacks and two forced fumbles. Adept as a run-stuffer on the nose in the middle. Had two of his best games in the College Football Playoff, recording 10 tackles.
How he fits: With the departures of Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins, getting an interior presence to clog the run is a must. As much as the 49ers want a better pass rush, stopping the run is Job 1 after they collapsed in that area down the stretch.
Third round, No. 75 overall: Nick Martin, linebacker, Oklahoma State, 6-0, 221
Credentials: Started 35 games over four seasons with Oklahoma State and was described in one evaluation as a “heat-seeking missile” for his aggressive style of play. Had a 4.53 time in the 40-yard dash.
How he fits: A virtual clone physically of the departed Dre Greenlaw, right down to the point to being overaggressive at times. Ideally, he moves past Dee Winters and Jalen Graham as a step-in-and-start player alongside Fred Warner.
Third round, No. 100 overall: Upton Stout, cornerback, Western Kentucky, 5-8, 181
Credentials: Despite size limitations, had 166 career tackles and operates best as a nickel corner. In 2024, started 12 games and has 7 1/2 tackles for losses and a sack in being named first-team All-USA Conference honors.
How he fits: Stout can step in as the slot corner and give the 49ers the opportunity to leave Deommodore Lenoir as an outside corner along with Renardo Green.
Fourth round, No. 113 overall: C.J. West, defensive tackle, Indiana, 6-1, 316
Credentials: Had 7 1/2 tackles for losses with the Hoosiers. Transferred from Kent State for senior year specifically to boost his draft stock.
How he fits: A penetrating inside tackle, West provides a nice contrast to Alfred Collins, the 6-foot-5 tackle and second-round pick and is at his best lining up between the center and guard.
Fourth round, No. 138 overall: Jordan Watkins, wide receiver, Mississippi, 5-11, 196
Credentials: Owner of a 4.37 time in the 40-yard dash time, Watkins has experience, having played 58 college games with185 receptions for 2,582 yards and 18 touchdowns.
How he fits: With the departure of Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk possibly not being ready to start the season after a torn ACL, it wasn’t a surprise when the 49ers’ first offensive selection was a wide receiver.
Fifth round, No. 147 overall: Jordan James, running back, Oregon, 5-9, 205
Credentials: Rushed for 1,267 yards, averaged 5.4 yards per carry and scored 15 touchdowns for the Ducks in 2024.
How he fits: James has experience with zone scheme runs and has a nose for the end zone -- something the 49er were missing last season with Christian McCaffrey missing so much time.
Fifth round, No. 160 overall: Marquis Sigle, safety, Kansas State, 5-11, 199
Credentials: With a 4.37 time in the 40-yard dash, Sigle has the top-end speed to patrol the back end of the defense.
How he fits: With the departure of Talanoa Hufanga, Sigle could challenge Ji’Ayir Brown to play alongside Malik Mustapha.
Seventh round, No. 227 overall: Kurtis Rourke, quarterback, Indiana, 6-4, 220
Credentials: Completed 69.4 percent of his passes (222-for-320) for 3,042 yards, 29 touchdowns and five interceptions.
How he fits: Coming off knee surgery in January — he played the entire season in a brace with his second torn ACL — it’s unclear when Rourke will be ready to play.
Seventh round, No. 249 overall: Conner Colby, guard/center, Iowa, 6-6, 309
Credentials: First team All-Big Ten selection as a senior, started all 13 games at right guard for the Hawkeyes.
How he fits: Backup guard assuming he doesn’t beat out center Jake Brendel.
Seventh round, No. 252 overall: Junior Bergen, Montana, return specialist, 5-10, 184
Credentials: As a punt returner, Bergen had a career average of 16.7 yards and eight career touchdowns on punt returns.
How he fits: Bergen was a wide receiver in college and he’ll practice with that group with the 49ers, but his chance to make the roster is as a return specialist.
— Jerry McDonald