How are the 49ers positioned to add talent in the upcoming draft
The San Francisco 49ers are in a different spot than in previous years when it comes to the 2025 NFL Draft, as they not only have the No. 11 pick in the draft, but also could have double-digit selections thanks to the compensatory formula.
Following a disappointing 6-11 season, the 49ers are uniquely positioned for a quick bounce-back, especially if they can get a second-straight quality draft class.
After years of moving draft picks for key pieces, the 49ers had a full draft class last season, which resulted in five immediate impact players: first-rounder wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, second-round cornerback Renardo Green, third-round right guard Dominick Puni, fourth-round safety Malik Mustapha, and fourth-round running back Isaac Guerendo.
Equipped with almost their entire arsenal of draft picks, as well as four compensatory picks, the 49ers are in a similar position to add talent again in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Here is their full list of projected picks for the upcoming draft:
Round 1, Pick 11
Round 2, Pick 43
Round 3, Pick 75
Round 3, Pick 99 (Compensatory)
Round 4, Pick 112
Round 4, Pick 138 (Compensatory)
Round 4, Pick 139 (Compensatory)
Round 6, Pick 189
Round 7, Pick 228 (via Carolina)
Round 7, Pick 255 (Compensatory)
The 49ers are still receiving a third-round compensatory pick from the losses of Ran Carthon and DeMeco Ryans. As they lost both in one offseason, San Francisco is entitled to third-round compensatory picks in three consecutive offseasons, with this draft being the final of those selections.
They are also projected fourth-round compensatory picks for the losses of Sam Darnold and Chase Young, as well as a seventh-round compensatory pick for the loss of Ray-Ray McCloud.
Now, the 49ers are missing their fifth-round pick, which was stripped away from the NFL due to an accounting error with their payroll last offseason.
Just in: The #49ers are losing a 2025 5th-round pick and will have their 2024 4th-round pick (#131) move to the end of the fourth round because of payroll accounting errors. pic.twitter.com/X8D33mY94A
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 18, 2024
Additionally, they swapped seventh-round picks with the Carolina Panthers as a part of a trade for kicker Zane Gonzalez last offseason.
That leaves San Francisco with 10 draft picks in this year’s draft, with the five picks between the third and fourth rounds popping out the most.
It has been nationally recognized as a weaker draft class at the top, with the bread and butter instead coming in the middle rounds, so that may play in San Francisco’s favor this year.
The extra capital could also be important in swinging a trade come draft day, be it to move up to select a rookie or even for a veteran that fits a need.
It all starts with the first round of the draft, where it’s plausible the 49ers could move up or down, depending on how the board shakes out. An early-round target that fits a big need is Michigan’s Mason Graham, but the defensive tackle could be gone before the No. 11 pick.
If they view him as a tier above the other available options, San Francisco could facilitate a trade-up to No. 8, for example, moving off a third and fourth-round pick to nab their target, while still having ample capital in those rounds.
On the other hand, a trade-down to the middle of the first round could make sense if the 49ers view a number of players similarly, scooping up additional capital for a move up in the middle rounds of the draft.
Nonetheless, the 49ers have options, thanks to a bevy of draft picks, and could be positioned for a quick turnaround next season as they draft their next core of players.