49ers' offseason to-do list: Aiyuk's recovery, Saleh's defense, rookie impact

The real work for the San Francisco 49ers begins in late July, when the team kicks off training camp and player evaluations shift into high gear. That's when the depth chart starts to take shape, and answers will be needed for several pressing questions.

The 49ers are coming off a disappointing 6-11 season and underwent a massive offseason roster overhaul. Several key contributors from recent years are gone, replaced by younger talent acquired through the draft.

This revamp has introduced uncertainty at several key positions, including the defensive line, secondary, and wide receiver.

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox outlined a to-do list for every NFL team ahead of the 2025 season. For the 49ers, his list reflects the sweeping changes John Lynch and the front office made this offseason.

Assess Brandon Aiyuk's recovery timeline

Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is recovering from ACL and MCL injuries suffered in October and is not expected to be ready for Week 1. That's a significant concern for a receiving corps that already lost Deebo Samuel in an offseason trade to Washington.

Knox suggests that if Aiyuk's return is significantly delayed, general manager John Lynch may need to explore veteran free-agent options to bolster the group.

"The 49ers could need [Aiyuk] after trading Deebo Samuel early in the offseason, as 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall remains a relative unknown and tight end George Kittle isn't getting any younger," Knox wrote.

While Lynch refrained from providing a recovery timeline for Aiyuk, he noted that the 49ers have been pleased with the receiver's recovery.

As for potentially bringing in some additional help, Lynch said, "We always keep a look for what's out there, but we do like our group."

Install Robert Saleh's defense

The 49ers brought back Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator, a position he held from 2017 to 2020. The goal is clear—revive a defense that underperformed last season and restore the physical, high-level play that once made it one of the NFL's best units.

Saleh's influence was evident during the draft, with San Francisco using its first five picks on defensive players. That includes defensive linemen Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West, along with linebacker Nick Martin, who could eventually replace Dre Greenlaw, now with the Denver Broncos.

Developing these young defenders quickly will be critical to San Francisco's success in 2025, which brings us to Knox's last item on his list.

Prepare to rely on several defensive rookies

The 49ers will lean heavily on their rookie defenders this season and will need solid play out of each to contend in 2025.

Williams, a first-round draft pick, and newly acquired defensive end Bryce Huff are expected to boost a pass rush that struggled with consistency in 2024. If the duo can generate pressure off one edge, Nick Bosa should have more opportunities to dominate on the other.

Lynch is confident in Williams' upside and flexibility, which made him a top target in April's draft.

"We loved his versatility as a player, his ability to play outside, set edges," Lynch said. "I think he'll give more as a pass rusher than I think a lot of people believe he will. And then the versatility to slide inside. We've done really well with those types of players who have that versatility to play on the edge, and then in nickel, sub-situations, to move inside. Mykel gives us that."