Other than a return to full health and retention of their core players, the San Francisco 49ers don’t have many personnel needs this offseason, but they do need to get stronger in the trenches.
They have had trouble stopping the run over the past couple of years, and overall, they’re looking to recover on that side of the football after finishing tied for 27th in points allowed this season.
Veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave could be released, and thus the Niners would need help on the interior of their front four.
They have the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and if they get lucky, they may be able to land a future star.
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah identified a possible “home run” selection for San Francisco.
“If you are looking for someone who I think would be a home run pick for them, what’s the dream scenario, to me, it would be [if] Mason Graham were to fall down to them where they could scoop him up and pick him up,” Jeremiah said, via 49ers on NBCS.
Daniel Jeremiah highlighted one NFL Draft prospect that would be a “home run” selection for the 49ers at pick No. 11 (via @jenniferleechan)https://t.co/FvLcu07qjS
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) February 21, 2025
Graham is an excellent run defender and can apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
He was a major contributor for Michigan when they won the 2023 national championship and was the defensive MVP of the 2024 Rose Bowl, so he seems to know a thing or two about winning big games after playing for former 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
The limited salary cap space the Niners have is earmarked for contract extensions for quarterback Brock Purdy and tight end George Kittle, and they also need to re-sign linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who is about to become a free agent.
That means they need to draft well in order to replenish their roster and bring in new talent that will eventually supplant some of their older core players.
Graham could play a sizable role in a San Francisco revival and a return to Super Bowl contention.
