After a disappointing 6–11 finish in 2024, the San Francisco 49ers look to rebound quickly and reassert themselves as contenders in the NFC. While injuries and inconsistency derailed what was expected to be another playoff-caliber campaign, General Manager John Lynch entered the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear plan: rebuild the trenches, reload at key positions, and find a developmental quarterback to groom behind Brock Purdy, whose contract extension looms on the horizon.
A savvy trade with the Denver Broncos set the tone for this draft. The Niners dealt the No. 11 pick for No. 20 and No. 51 overall, plus a 2026 fourth-rounder. With five selections in the top 100, San Francisco took full advantage.
San Francisco 49ers 3-Round Mock Draft: Exploring Potential Picks
Round 1, Pick 20 (via DEN): Kenneth Grant, DI, Michigan
With their first selection, the 49ers turn to the defensive interior, adding Michigan’s Kenneth Grant. At 6’3”, 340 pounds, Grant is an elite athlete for his size and a pocket-collapsing presence in the middle. He can occupy double teams, stuff the run, and push the pocket in passing situations—an ideal fit in Robert Saleh’s defense. Grant’s addition helps ease the loss of Javon Hargrave, reinvigorating a front four that’s long been the team’s heartbeat.
Round 2, Pick 43: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss
In the second round, the 49ers address a lingering need in the secondary with Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos. Long, physical, and battle-tested in the SEC, Amos is a fluid mover with the versatility to play outside or in the slot. With Charvarius Ward departed and depth concerns looming behind him, Amos gives San Francisco a developmental starter who could be a full-time contributor by season’s end. His aggressive play style fits the 49ers’ defensive identity and brings much-needed youth to the cornerback room.
Round 2, Pick 51 (via DEN): Donovan Jackson, OT, Ohio State
With their bonus second-round pick from Denver, the 49ers invest in the offensive line, selecting Ohio State’s Donovan Jackson. A powerful and athletic blocker who can play both guard and tackle, Jackson brings much-needed versatility and depth to a unit that struggled with injuries and inconsistency in 2024. He projects as a Day 1 competitor for the right tackle job or a high-end interior lineman who could replace Aaron Banks. Line play is critical in a physical NFC West, and Jackson gives the Niners another cornerstone to develop.
Round 3, Pick 75: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
With Deebo Samuel now in Washington, the 49ers needed to replenish their wide receiver room—and they do so with Utah State’s Jalen Royals. Royals broke out in 2024 with his speed, route-running polish, and ability to create yards after the catch—traits that Kyle Shanahan covets. Royals offers inside-outside versatility and a potential plug-and-play role as a WR3 behind Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings. His skill set adds another dynamic layer to the 49ers’ offense and helps keep the pressure off Aiyuk in a contract year.
Round 3, Pick 100: Will Howard, QB, Ohio State
With Brock Purdy’s extension talks looming, the 49ers take a swing at a quarterback prospect in the late third round, selecting Ohio State’s Will Howard. A strong-armed, athletic passer who transferred from Kansas State, Howard has ideal size (6’5”) and has shown the ability to operate a pro-style offense with poise. While he’s raw and will need time to adjust to NFL speed, the tools are there. Under Shanahan’s tutelage, Howard could develop into a high-level backup—or more—depending on Purdy’s future and health. Howard adds depth, upside, and long-term intrigue to the quarterback room.
Conclusion
After a 6–11 season, the 49ers needed a strong draft to spark a turnaround—and they delivered. Kenneth Grant fortifies the defensive interior, Trey Amos shores up the cornerback group, and Donovan Jackson helps solidify the offensive line. Jalen Royals offers upside as a receiver with Deebo gone, and Will Howard provides a developmental QB option with a high ceiling. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan know the clock is ticking. But with these additions, the 49ers are reloading in all the right places—poised to bounce back in 2025 with a stronger, deeper, and more balanced roster.
