49ers Embrace Defensive Identity in Crucial 2025 NFL Draft

Veteran Help for the Offensive Line

The team attempted to shore up the offensive line by signing veteran offensive tackle D.J. Humphries in free agency.

A former Pro Bowler and first-round pick, Humphries brings pedigree to the roster. He should provide immediate competition at right tackle and a veteran presence in the locker room. While he has had injury concerns and may not be the player he once was, he still provides valuable depth and experience, especially as a post-draft signing.

Back to the Defensive Blueprint

What fans should love most about this draft is that the 49ers returned to building from the defensive line.

Early in the John Lynch era, the team heavily invested in the front four, using high-value picks and spending significantly in free agency. San Francisco used its first two picks this year on defensive linemen, both known for being premier run stoppers at their respective positions.

After rehiring Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator, it’s clear the team wants to return to a dominant front seven. Saleh, unlike DeMeco Ryans and Steve Wilks, prefers a simpler approach. If he can get pressure with four players, he’ll stick to that all game and keep seven players in coverage. That suffocating defensive identity is built on elite play from the front four, especially in the run game, which the 49ers prioritized.

Plenty of Offensive Weapons Still in Place

Despite the loss of Deebo Samuel, the 49ers still have strong offensive pieces. Brandon Aiyuk and rookie Ricky Pearsall are positioned to make an impact this season. The team also boasts Trent Williams, arguably the best left tackle in football, and Christian McCaffrey, who remains one of the league’s top running backs.

San Francisco also has its franchise quarterback, assuming contract negotiations with Purdy proceed smoothly. Barring offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan resolving the red-zone struggles from last season, the 49ers are positioned to have a strong offense once again.

A Smart Retool, Not a Full Rebuild

Defense and special teams were the biggest weaknesses for the 49ers last season, and they’ve done a good job addressing those issues despite a mass exodus of players. Great organizations know when it’s time to retool, and the 49ers are doing just that— without undergoing a full rebuild.

They still have cornerstone stars like Purdy, McCaffrey, George Kittle, Nick Bosa, and Fred Warner. Combined with promising talent from last year’s rookie class and this year’s additions, the 49ers are executing a timely retool around their franchise quarterback’s looming extension.