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Mock draft roundup: What experts predict for the 49ers at No. 11
Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Several new mock drafts have been released since our last roundup, and with the 2025 NFL Draft just days away, mock draft season is wrapping up. The San Francisco 49ers head into the draft with several needs after losing key contributors this offseason, leaving noticeable gaps in roster depth.

Eric Edholm, lead draft writer for NFL.com, released his third mock draft, predicting general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan will select Texas A&M defensive end Shemar Stewart with the 11th overall pick.

"The Niners feel capable of making some noise in this draft, and they can afford to take an early swing on Stewart's alluring skill set, with 10 more picks forthcoming," Edholm wrote.

The defensive front needs reinforcements after losing Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd, and Stewart could help bolster the unit.

Other defensive options

In a joint mock draft for Yahoo! Sports, Nate Tice and Charles McDonald have the 49ers selecting Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham at No. 11.

"Trenches have to be the mandate in the Bay Area, whether it be on offense or defense," Tice noted. "I looked at a couple of potential offensive linemen here, and even an edge like Mike Green or Mykel Williams to get a long-term running partner for Nick Bosa. But instead, the 49ers shore up the middle of their defensive line with the explosive Graham, who falls right into their laps. Solidifying the spine of their defense will help keep Fred Warner clean and make everyone's lives easier."

NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks released his fourth mock draft of the year, also predicting the 49ers will select a defensive lineman—Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.

"Adding more talent and athleticism to the defensive front will enable Nick Bosa and Co. to get back to their disruptive ways at the line of scrimmage under DC Robert Saleh," Brooks wrote.

Dre Greenlaw's replacement

Bryan DeArdo, writing for CBS Sports, projects the 49ers will pick versatile defender Jalon Walker from Georgia, a player capable of contributing as a linebacker and pass rusher.

"The 49ers find Dre Greenlaw's replacement in Walker, a versatile player who can help the defense in multiple areas," DeArdo explained. "Walker has drawn comparisons to Kyle Van Noy, who last year (his age-33 season) was named to the Pro Bowl after recording 12.5 sacks as a member of the Baltimore Ravens."

Adding offensive line help

Pro Football Focus analyst Gordon McGuinness released a mock draft where the 49ers address the offensive line by selecting Texas offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. The prospect could start at guard before eventually transitioning to tackle.

"The 49ers wouldn't need Banks to start at left tackle right away, with future Hall of Famer Trent Williams still in the fold," McGuinness noted. "Instead, he can start inside at guard before potentially replacing Williams down the line. Banks earned PFF pass- and run-blocking grades above 80.0 in 2024."

Pro Football Network's Jacob Infante also has the 49ers selecting Banks in his latest projection.

"With Trent Williams turning 37 this summer and their offensive line struggling in 2024 (ranked 14th in PFSN's OL+ metric), the San Francisco 49ers are in a great spot to invest in the trenches early in the 2025 NFL Draft," Infante wrote.

"Kelvin Banks Jr. has one of the highest ceilings in this offensive tackle class. He's well-built with a large wingspan, a strong anchor, and impressive agility. His hand usage still needs refining, but if he cleans that up, he could be a long-term starter anywhere on the line."

FOX Sports draft analyst Rob Rang also sees the 49ers adding protection for quarterback Brock Purdy, but has the team selecting Missouri offensive tackle Armand Membou in the first round.

"I think the 49ers are planning on taking a defensive lineman with this pick, but I can't imagine GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan choosing one of them over Membou," Rang explained. "He's starred the past three seasons at right tackle for Missouri and might push incumbent starter Colton McKivitz at that spot. Membou also possesses the physicality to slide inside, perhaps taking over at left guard for free-agent defection Aaron Banks this season before succeeding Trent Williams on the blindside in the future."

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco projects the 49ers will select LSU tackle Will Campbell.

"He can be the Trent Williams replacement in the future, but for now he plays left guard, which I think is his more natural position," Prisco noted. "They could also consider defensive line here, but I think there is more value taking Campbell."

Skipping the trenches

Some analysts predict the 49ers might pass on addressing the trenches altogether and instead bolster the secondary. In his FOX Sports mock, Joel Klatt has the 49ers selecting Michigan cornerback Will Johnson at No. 11.

"The Niners need to rebuild all over their roster after losing a ton of guys in free agency," Klatt explained. "I think that allows them to take the best player available, which I believe is Johnson at this point in the draft. I thought Johnson would be a top five or six pick, but his turf toe issue has caused him to slip. Johnson is the perfect 49er and fits what general manager John Lynch wants to do. He's long and tough with great instincts and ball skills. This guy's a dog."

This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.

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