Defensive ranking shows 49ers have much to prove in 2025

Kyle Soppe of Pro Football and Sports Network recently released his 2025 NFL defensive rankings, and it's clear he remains unimpressed with the San Francisco 49ers' unit. Soppe ranks the 49ers defense at No. 26, an alarming placement for a team once known for its dominant defensive presence.

San Francisco's defense underperformed throughout the 2024 season, struggling with consistency and failing to make crucial stops. Their shortcomings played a significant role in the team's disappointing 6-11 record, which placed them last in the NFC West.

The 49ers underwent a massive roster overhaul this offseason, largely in anticipation of quarterback Brock Purdy's contract extension, which made him one of the NFL's highest-paid players. The team saw the need to part ways with several key veterans—many on defense.

The defensive line lost Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd. The linebacker group took a hit as well with Dre Greenlaw signing with the Denver Broncos. In the secondary, San Francisco lost both cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Talanoa Hufanga.

Compounding matters, safety Malik Mustapha is expected to miss the start of the 2025 season after suffering an ACL injury in the 2024 finale.

To fill those gaps, the 49ers invested heavily in the draft, selecting defensive linemen Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West. Additionally, the team drafted linebacker Nick Martin, cornerback Upton Stout, and safety Marques Sigle.

While the potential is there, Soppe clearly believes the new additions have a lot to prove this season.

"Before falling apart in 2024, the Niners had nothing but top-10 finishes in our database," Soppe wrote. "Like the Cowboys, they struggled massively when the opposition got into scoring position, which was quite often due to this defense's inability to get off the field (24th in third-down conversion rate)."

The 49ers particularly struggled against the run, allowing 24 rushing touchdowns to opponents. Only the Dallas Cowboys allowed more (25).

Still, Soppe isn't dismissing the possibility that the unit can perform better than expected.

"Fred Warner remains the core of this defense, and Bryce Huff was brought over from the Super Bowl champions — there are certainly pieces in place to return this team to average, if not better, on this side of the ball," Soppe concluded.

H/t to Jose Luis Sanchez of Sports Illustrated for the find.