There are 11 choices in the 2025 NFL Draft, and the San Francisco 49ers need to choose the right choice.
The early reward was that the 49ers discovered some players that could really help them. ESPN's Matt Miller looks at the 100 best picks, steals and fits for the 2025 NFL Draft, including four 49ers.
Georgia's first-round draft pick Mykel Williams ranked Miller's 38th best game. Indiana Western Conference defensive tackle CJ won 78th in Ole Miss, wide receiver Jordan Watkins, signed to Oregon’s Jordan James at the 90th, and Oregon’s Jordan James won 98th.
This is what ESPN and Miller have to say about each of the 49-man draft picks.
The 49ers chose Georgia Fringe Stormtrooper Mykel Williams in the first round of the draft. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound sprinter is an All-American freshman in 2022 and has won second-team all-season honors in 2023 and 2024.
Williams has scored 67 tackles, 21.5 tackles and 14 sacks in his career with the Bulldogs.
Williams performed well in two big games against Texas, but the ankle injury in Week 1 continued throughout the season and conducted his bias test. He is considered an elite prospect to enter the 2024 season and will have the opportunity to thrive with all-professional Nick Bosa. New defensive coordinator Robert Saleh can unlock Williams' huge potential. - Miller, ESPN.
San Francisco won the title on Indiana's defensive tackle CJ West with the 113th pick in the fourth round of the draft. West began his college career at Kent State University before moving to Indiana’s final year.
The 6-foot-1, 316-pound defensive tackle has been in 48 games in 52 games, recording 152 tackles, 27 tackles, 9.0 sacks, two forced turnovers and two defenses.
The 49ers are committed to stopping the game in this draft, and West will see early rep as a potential development starter for 3-Technique on the defensive line. - Miller, ESPN.
San Francisco added Jordan Watkins with a No. 138 draft pick in the fourth round of the draft. Watkins is a 5-foot-11-inch, 196-pound receiver with a total of 185 receptions for a total of 2,682 yards and 18 touchdowns, while also contributing as a return expert in 60 professional games, while 42 games began with Louisville and Ole Miss.
The 49ers may land Watkins later, but his speed and vertical routes run skills are an asset. Open his five touch matches against Arkansas and you'll see the vision for this draft. - Miller, ESPN.
The 5-foot-10 208-pound defender rushed for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns, earning second-team all-around honors in his final college season. James played 38 games in his college career, totaling 2,215 yards and 31 touchdowns, while averaging 5.74 yards per carry.
The former duck also received 42 receptions, lasting 347 yards and touchdowns.
Kyle Shanahan couldn't resist the 3rd day guard, which felt like a real demand after the team traded Jordan Mason to the Vikings. We saw the injury caused to the 49ers' backcourt last season. The tough James may start with the team's RB3. - Miller, ESPN.
San Francisco also added Texas defensive tackle in the second round, Oklahoma guard Nick Martin