With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the San Francisco 49ers face a crucial decision with the No. 11 overall pick. After a disappointing six-win season in 2024, the team must figure out if they can stay in Super Bowl contention. Quarterback Brock Purdy is due for a significant contract extension, putting pressure on the 49ers to maximize their roster value.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell suggests the 49ers might consider trading down to gather more draft assets. He points to the team’s recent roster changes as a reason to prioritize depth. By moving down, the 49ers could address multiple weaknesses and replenish their talent pool while maintaining flexibility.
The Case for Trading Down from No. 11
Barnwell recently listed eight teams that could benefit from trading down in the 2025 NFL Draft, with the 49ers being one of them. San Francisco’s 2024 draft class brought in several impact players, but general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have had mixed results in previous drafts.
Their 2021 draft left only cornerback Deommodore Lenoir on the roster, while 2022 produced just one consistent starter—quarterback Brock Purdy. The 2023 class included kicker Jake Moody and safety Ji’Ayir Brown, though Brown was benched late in the season.
Lynch recently confirmed that linebacker Dee Winters will get a chance to compete for a starting job in 2025, possibly replacing Dre Greenlaw.
“There’s still a lot of time between now and when we play, but he’s a guy we like. And he’s still growing as a player,” Lynch said.
Barnwell sees San Francisco’s 2024 draft as one of its strongest in years, highlighting mid-round picks like guard Dominick Puni and safety Malik Mustapha.
“The 2024 draft might project to be general manager John Lynch’s best, with the 49ers adding a pair of promising mid-round picks in guard Dominick Puni and safety Malik Mustapha, while wideout Ricky Pearsall, running back Isaac Guerendo and corner Renardo Green showed promise,” Barnwell wrote.
Despite roster turnover, the 49ers remain focused on competing, with key veterans like Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, and George Kittle still in place. However, Barnwell emphasizes the importance of adding multiple starters.
“If they can add multiple starters, they have a shot at righting the ship quickly in 2025.”
Potential Impact Players for the 49ers at No. 11
LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama
At 6-foot-3 and 244 pounds, Campbell is an athletic linebacker who could replace Dre Greenlaw. He ran a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 9.95 relative athletic score (RAS), the highest among linebackers. In 2024, Campbell posted 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, five sacks, an interception, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
DE Mike Green, Marshall
Green, a 6-foot-3, 251-pound edge rusher, led the FBS with 17 sacks and 59 total pressures. His pass-rush win rate was 20.2%, and he recorded a 90.2 run-defense grade. He could complement Nick Bosa but comes with off-field concerns.
DT Walter Nolen, Ole Miss
A 6-foot-4, 296-pound disruptive force, Nolen registered 35 pressures, six sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 32 run stops in 2024. With Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave gone, he could strengthen San Francisco’s defensive front.
