The San Francisco 49ers are poised to make a splash in the upcoming NFL draft, armed with a sizable draft class of 10 picks. This marks their largest draft class since 2017, when the team embarked on a rebuilding project under coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. While the 49ers have a first-round pick for the first time since 2021, they have historically found success in middle-round selections.
Despite the disappointing performance of their 2021 first-round pick, quarterback Trey Lance, the team has managed to stay competitive thanks to the emergence of seventh-round pick Brock Purdy. The 49ers’ roster currently boasts 52 players who were drafted into the NFL, with 31 of them drafted by the Shanahan-Lynch regime.
CEO Jed York emphasized the importance of the draft as a lifeblood for sustained success. He acknowledged that while free agency and trades can supplement the team, building through the draft remains crucial. York highlighted the impact of players like George Kittle, Dre Greenlaw, and Fred Warner, who were not first-round selections but have made significant contributions to the team.
A round-by-round breakdown of the 49ers’ pre-draft roster reveals a mix of top-tier talent and players acquired through various means. The team’s projected starting lineup features 12 players drafted by the 49ers, seven signed through free agency, and three acquired via trades.
The 49ers hold a first-round pick after a two-year hiatus, and they could target positions such as offensive tackle, defensive end, or wide receiver. They have a history of drafting Pro Bowl-caliber players in the second round, including Fred Warner. Other rounds have also yielded key contributors, such as George Kittle in the fifth round.
This year’s draft presents the 49ers with an opportunity to continue building their team and addressing areas of need. With a balanced approach of drafting, free agency, and trades, the team aims to maintain its competitiveness and contend for championships in the years to come.
