Drafting defense with the first 5 picks is just what the doctor ordered. What do you think?
The 49ers 2025 UDFAs:
RB Corey Kiner, Cincinnati
OG Drew Moss, Colorado State
CB Jakob Robinson, BYU
DT Sebastian Valdez, Washington
WR Isaiah Neyor, Nebraska
LB Stone Blanton, Mississippi State
I thought the first five picks were exceptional, now if they prove out that's an entirely different thing. Of course I have to give this draft an A as the first five picks went my way. (Position not players)
ReplyDeleteThe 49ers are signing UDFA RB Corey Kiner, per his Agent Don Williams.
ReplyDeleteI still say it looks like a solid not spectacular draft. I'll give it a B/ B-.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time I can see the vision. Big upgrades in terms of run defense along the DL that should keep the LBs and safeties free to make plays. Lots of speed added to the back 7.
On offense added some decent depth. And continued to give Boyer some toys.
I still wonder where the pass rush will come from outside of Bosa. I trust in Saleh, but I also know his defenses at both the 49ers and Jets didn't really take off until they added dynamic edge rushers.
And yes, Burford will be the swing OT. But still feel they are lacking some quality depth along the OL.
Scooter
Delete* I Couldn't have said it better if I wrote it myself. Maybe a little more optimistic on Williams, Collins and West pass rush?
* After making BP the golden boy, the 9ers better hope the O-Line keeps him healthy! If not, there will be some tough questions to answer and another lost season
The 49ers are signing UDFA OG Drew Moss, per Fowler.
ReplyDeleteNice. Good athlete, high grades from PFF.
DeleteMarques Sigle says he can play four spots -- FS, SS, NCB and dime. He's the fastest safety the 49ers have drafted since Tarvarius Moore (another dime defender) went in the third round in 2018.
ReplyDeleteThe 49ers have signed BYU CB Jakob Robinson as an UDFA, per BYUFootball.
ReplyDeleteAlso Washington DT Sebastian Valdez.
DeleteS Malik Mustapha re-injured the ACL he previously tore in '22. Mustapha had surgery and an exact return is unknown but the hope is he will be back around midseason, per sources...
ReplyDeleteOoof. That's a kick in the teeth.
DeleteOh no. That’s not good news. I hate to see injuries.
DeleteIf it wasn't for bad luck the 9ers would have no luck at all.
DeleteToo bad
DeleteHe damaged the graft that they put in from his previous ACL tear, so it’s a bit different than just an ACL. No meniscus or cartilage damage.
DeleteReceiver Isaiah Neyor signed a UDFA contract with the 49ers.
ReplyDeleteNeyor obviously has physical tools, but doesn't look natural as a pass-catcher, IMO. We'll see.
DeleteI thought this was a successful draft. Like every draft, I question a couple/few of their picks, particularly day 3, but I think this years draft is comperable to last years draft in terms of potential viable/impact players, so I am giving the Niners an A-.
ReplyDeleteI love what they did on the DL, and I really like the Nickel Corner (Stout)! I think Nick Martin could be a dynamic LB playmaker, but I do have concerns in terms of his size. I am a huge Jordan James fan, I think he's a phenomenal fit. I kind of like the QB, I think he's more mobile than he showed last season (ACL), really accurate in the middle of the field.
A-, maybe a B+. The Mustafa news was a gut punch!!!
I am predicting right now Corey Kiner is the next Jordan Mason. He will push Guerendo and Jordan James for RB2
ReplyDeleteI'm just glad they were able to add two good looking DTs and RBs from this exceptionally deep class for both positions.
DeleteKiner was fourth last season among RBs with 82 missed tackles forced rushing.
DeleteJunior Bergen 10 punt returns last season, three for touchdowns. Eight total punt return TDs his last three seasons. 16.6 yard average per return over his collegiate career. Also had one kickoff return for a TD.
ReplyDeleteLast season Jordan Watkins had a catch rate of 72.1% while averaging 18.5 yards per catch. Ole Miss QBs had a passer rating of 153.8 when targeting Watkins in 2024. Also averaged 6.8 YAC/reception last year.
ReplyDeleteI sat and watched the draft and honestly was disappointed that teams drafting 10-12 picks after the 49ers were hitting on all cylinders. CJ West and Al Collins are the only players that could be D1S. The 49ers stubborn attitude that the current Oline has no need for help is surprising, imho.
ReplyDeleteNot at all surprising to me. This draft played out exactly how I thought it would and should.
DeleteI think the first five picks will all see significant playing time in 2025. Maybe Martin less than the others if he doesn't win one of the starting LB spots.
DeleteThe 49ers have invited Stanford LB Tristan Sinclair to rookie minicamp, according to Aaron Wilson.
ReplyDeleteNext years draft you'll see a similar strategy to the one they took on the defensive line this year only it'll be the offensive line.
ReplyDeleteRazor,
ReplyDeleteThe 49ers have had good success signing FA veteran Olinemen over years. I would feel much better if they can do the same thing again this year. My biggest concern in looking for stout Olinemen is keeping Purdy clean.
Out of curiosity AES, when you say you don't believe they drafted D1S aside from the two DTs, is that because you believe the positions drafted weren't needs/ positions with an opening or because you don't like/ believe in the players selected.
DeleteA little bit of both, Scooter. Mykel Williams seems to have the physical measurements to impress any team, but his production doesn't match. Nolen would have been my choice, followed by Scourton. The 49ers went into the draft with the purpose of giving Bosa help with another pass rusher and that is not Williams' strength. Waiting to sign an UDFA Olinemen seems counter productive given that there's no current roster Olinemen that has proven himself in TC as of yet. I'm not hating on Mykel, and I want him to become a vital part of the defense, but like I said after he was drafted, I'm in a wait and see mode for now.
DeleteTBD
Cool - for mine the main opportunities to contribute right away on this team (either starters or key rotation guys, not incl. STs) were DT x 2, DE, LB, CB, LG and RB.
DeleteOf those, the only position I don't believe they've added someone that has a legitimate chance to win notable snaps barring injuries is LG.
I don't necessarily love the players selected, but I definitely see the opportunity in front of them. Time will tell as to whether they are any good.
I hear you, Scooter.
DeleteThey got OG's up the wazoo. Why would they waste a high pick on one?
DeleteExcited about Corey Kiner. He has the potential to be RB2.
ReplyDeleteI understand the Kurtis Rourke pick. I think he will start the year on NFI list, so won't cost a roster spot on the 53. Should be potential backup QB for 3 years after Mac Jones leaves next year for a 10M deal and compensatory pick.
This⬆
DeleteJones can be moved if the price is right.
DeleteMug,
DeleteI think you are half right regarding Rourke. He will sit out next season Rehabing while learning the playbook. In 26 he will be QB3 behind Purdy and Jones. Then he will take over as QB2 for a few years. The only thing that could throw a wrench in the works is if BP gets injured next season and Jones balls out enough that they can get a 1st or 2nd round pick in the 26 draft.
They could just as easily cut Jones too.
DeleteDidn't realize Mac'N'Jones signed a two a yr deal. Good for him...committing to learn.
DeleteYeah agree with Razor....Jones can be traded/cut too. Sam Howell who had a similar trajectory as Jones, was just traded to the Vikings on the draft day.
But it all depends on how quickly Rourke shows growth. Based on his play at Indiana, he could thrive in this system, but he is somewhat injury-prone.
Both 49ers OL additions, Connor Colby (7th round) & Drew Moss (UDFA) rank inside PFF’s top zone run-blockers in the 2025 Draft Class. Moss ranks 2nd (92.5 grade) and Colby ranks 8th (77.3 grade). Colby wasn’t flagged once in over 420 run-block snaps.
ReplyDeleteThe big negatives on both of these players is extremely short arms. I know short arms are career killers for OTs but is it the same for OGs?
DeleteDidn't seem to hurt Campbell's stock.
DeleteIowa ran the ball behind Colby 58 times in 2024 (3rd most on the OL). They totaled 397 yards, 6.8 ypc, 3 TD and 16 rush 1st downs.
DeleteI felt that Kaleb Johnson was something of a manufactured prospect by the Iowa OL.
DeleteI'm seeing a lot of posts on X about how the 49ers massively reached and didn't draft for value compared to consensus.
ReplyDeleteThing is, they do this every year. Yet they continue to put together good teams most years.
All I will say is that not drafting by consensus puts a target on your back from the draft community. If it doesn't work out they'll keep the receipts. But personally I am glad they draft based on their own beliefs, and what they think fits them, not what the draft community (who has less access to these players) believes.
They don't give two cheeky's what anyone else thinks and its proven to be successful so why would they?
DeleteI believe that after the tipid production of players like Solomon Thomas, Drake Jackson, and Javon Kinlaw that there may be some justified angst. For myself, I'm hoping for the best and staying positive. Afterall, I'm a 49ers fan for life.
ReplyDeleteWhat. Your'e going to change teams in the after life? (hopefully not for another 50 years)
DeleteYes, we shouldn't just assume these guys will be good, just because the team drafted them.
DeleteAt the same time, we should have the same reservations if they drafted the players you wanted them to take.
I would be very surprised if the collective of Saleh, Gus, Kocurek and their scouts missed on those first 5 picks.
DeleteI'd also be surprised if all 5 of those picks pan out. Very rare to hit on all your top picks. Doing it two years in a row would sure be something.
DeleteNormally I'd agree but each one's personality seems conducive to success.
DeleteEx-49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw has suffered a serious quad injury and could miss substantial time for the Broncos, multiple sources tell Jennifer Lee Chan.
ReplyDeleteAh, hate hearing that. Sad to see him go, and sad to see him already breaking down. But... it's also a key part of why the team had reservations offering him top dollar to stay.
DeleteThe 49ers have extended an invitation to Tennessee OL John Campbell Jr. to rookie minicamp per eliteloyaltysp.
ReplyDelete49ers are bringing in the Lou Groza Award winner Kenny Almendares to their upcoming rookie minicamp for a tryout. They've said they plan to sign a vet kicker too. That would put them at 90 rostered players.
ReplyDeleteAlmendares's overall kicking record is very good other than on kicks 50 yards and longer. In todays NFL a kicker has to be good at 50+ kicks
ReplyDeleteOldCoachApril 27, 2025 at 3:35 PM
ReplyDelete"What. Your'e going to change teams in the after life? (hopefully not for another 50 years)."
Lol, Coach! Not if I can help it.
Man, just looked up some of the draft profiles for comparable sized DEs to Williams from years gone by, and sure shows how much the game has changed. Jason Pierre-Paul, Chandler Jones, Aldon Smith - all of them were considered question marks as to whether they have the required size to defend the run! Now a guy that size is considered a big end.
ReplyDeleteThe 49ers have invited SMU S Jonathan McGill to Rookie Mini-Camp, per source.
ReplyDeleteMcGill 2024 Stats:
• 41 tackles
• 12 defensive stops
• 2 TD’s
• 3 INT’s
• 67.2 passer rating when targeted
I wonder if the 49ers will look to add another pass rusher before training camp.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but look at the type of DL options Saleh brought in at the Jets and think the 49ers still lack sufficient pass rush for what he wants to do.
Scooter,
DeleteLast week we commented on the number of starters the 49ers would likely need from this draft. I was shooting for the moon with my number of 5-7 starters. I believe you settled at about 3 starters.
Now at post-draft, who do you see as likely starters from this draft?
DL is kind of funny as they rotate so often, so instead of saying "starters" what I'll say is I expect all three DL drafted to see a significant number of snaps, as part of the rotation.
DeleteI also think there is a clear opportunity for Martin to win one of the three LB spots, maybe even the #2 spot. And I also think Stout has a good opportunity to win the slot CB role. Maybe not day 1 for those two, but by end of season.
I'm with you on Martin. He's a sideline to sideline LB that looks like a pumped-up Safety.
DeleteHe hits with a thump too.
DeleteWas surprised in the lead up to the draft that he wasn't a late riser - thought once he showed he was healthy at the Senior Bowl and Combine the draft community would start lifting him up. But not overly surprised a team took him in the 3rd - and happy it was the 49ers. I think so long as he is kept clean by his DL he'll be a real playmaker.
Kurtis Rourke: Looking at his highlights, reminds me of Brock in a few ways - vision, composure, accuracy, mobile although less so, stronger arm though - but, some of you will laugh at this, also reminds me of Brady.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R6eioUZQ84
Geo,
DeleteI'm not laughing I made the same comparison to BP after they drafted him. I looked at his 2023 stats and he looked like he had pretty good mobility before he tore his ACL. Hopefully he can regain most of his mobility.
The rookie mini camp can be held this weekend or the next. Has anyone heard which weekend the 9ers will hold theirs
ReplyDeleteI think 2nd week of May.
Delete