It wasn’t long ago that the 49ers looked like one of the NFL’s most balanced, battle-hardened machines. But in football, dynasties don’t just fade—they fracture. After a 6–11 season that exposed the limits of an aging roster, San Francisco hit the reset button hard. First came the wave of veteran exits. Then came the silence. Now, with the draft just days away, GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are racing to rebuild—not from scratch, but from scars.
This year’s draft isn’t just about future stars. It’s about repairing an identity. It’s about keeping Brock Purdy protected. And maybe most of all—it’s about giving returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh the tools to fix what went wrong. The 49ers parted ways with 17 players this offseason, including foundational pieces like Deebo Samuel, Dre Greenlaw, Javon Hargrave, and Talanoa Hufanga.
For fans, it was jarring. For the front office, it was overdue. The roster had aged, and cap space had thinned. But with Brock Purdy’s looming contract extension and major gaps to fill on both sides of the ball, this draft could define the franchise’s next era. With that context in mind, here’s a complete look at the 49ers’ projected seven-round mock draft, according to several NFL draft analysts.
Round 1, Pick No. 11: Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
With Charvarius Ward heading to the Colts and no clear CB1 replacement on the roster, cornerback is a top priority. Michigan’s Will Johnson is widely regarded as one of the best pure cover corners in this year’s class. He fits the 49ers’ system well, with a similar frame and skill set to Ward. If he’s still on the board at No. 11, San Francisco should move quickly—he could stabilize a secondary that’s taken a hit this offseason.
TRADE! Round 1, Pick No. 30: Grey Zabel, OL, North Dakota State
The 49ers could trade back into the first round to grab Grey Zabel, a versatile offensive lineman from North Dakota State. Trent Williams remains one of the best left tackles in football, but he turns 37 in July and has hinted at retirement. Zabel can play four of the five OL positions and could start inside at guard before eventually sliding outside. This is a future-proof pick with present-day value.
Round 3, Pick No. 75: Oluwafemi Oladejo, EDGE, UCLA
The 49ers hosted Oluwafemi Oladejo for a pre-draft visit and came away impressed. He posted 57 tackles, 19 QB pressures, and 7 sacks in a breakout 2024 season. While raw, Oladejo’s athleticism is undeniable, and pairing him with Nick Bosa and Yetur Gross-Matos could unlock his next level. He’s a potential rotational player with starter upside.
Round 3, Pick No. 100: Kyle Williams, WR, Washington State
Brandon Aiyuk is still recovering from injury, and while Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are solid, Kyle Shanahan could use another explosive weapon for Brock Purdy. Washington State’s Kyle Williams racked up 3,608 career receiving yards and 29 touchdowns. Though his route running and consistency need polishing, his deep-threat ability makes him a potential Day 3 steal.
Round 4, Pick No. 138: R.J. Mickens, SAF, Clemson
R.J. Mickens may not blow scouts away with measurables, but the tape shows a player with excellent instincts and reliability. Over his last two seasons, he tallied 117 tackles, 10 TFLs, two INTs, and 10 pass breakups. With Hufanga gone, the 49ers need depth at safety, and Mickens could carve out a role quickly.
Round 5, Pick No. 147 (via Washington through New Orleans): Logan Brown, OT, Kansas
Logan Brown is another developmental lineman who fits Shanahan’s scheme. He began his career at Wisconsin before transferring to Kansas and has experience at both tackle spots. Drafting him alongside Zabel could give the Niners long-term solutions to protect Purdy.
Round 7, Pick No. 227: Ty Robinson, DT, Nebraska
Ty Robinson played 47 games with the Cornhuskers, notching 97 tackles and developing a reputation as a solid run defender. He’s unlikely to start early but could contribute on special teams and earn rotational reps over time. A classic late-round depth piece.
Round 7, Pick No. 249: Zah Frazier, CB, UTSA
Zah Frazier started his college career at Southern Illinois and Coffeyville Community College before shining at UTSA. A Combine invitee and elite athlete, the 6’0″, 190-pound corner has the tools to be a special teams contributor immediately. His ceiling on defense will depend on how quickly he adapts to NFL speed.
Round 7, Pick No. 252: Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State
With the final pick, the Niners could go full-circle and take a flier on another North Dakota State QB—Cam Miller. The 23-year-old passed for 3,251 yards and 33 touchdowns in 2024 while adding 631 rushing yards and 12 TDs on the ground. Likely destined for the practice squad, Miller could develop behind Purdy in a similar fashion. If lightning strikes twice, this could become one of the most poetic picks in draft history.
While the offensive additions would help support Purdy, this draft also shows Shanahan prioritizing new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s needs. Between Johnson, Oladejo, Mickens, Robinson, and Frazier, the Niners would be restocking the defense with five new young pieces—each with potential to earn rotational or starting roles within a year or two.
San Francisco’s roster has changed dramatically in the past few months. Veteran exits, aging stars, and a cap-conscious front office have turned this year’s draft into a crucial reset point. But with smart selections, particularly in the trenches and secondary, the Niners could put themselves right back in the conversation for 2025. If Purdy takes another leap—and this rookie class delivers—San Francisco might not be rebuilding for long.
The post 49ers Mock Draft: Kyle Shanahan Prioritises Robert Saleh’s Needs With 5 Picks; Brock Purdy Gets 3,608 Yard Weapon appeared first on EssentiallySports.
