Defensive Dominance in the Draft

The San Francisco 49ers made headlines during the 2025 NFL Draft by taking a bold, defense-centric approach not seen in 44 years. After offloading defensive players in free agency, they flipped the script by selecting their first five picks exclusively on the defensive side of the ball—a strategy reminiscent of their legendary 1981 draft that netted them icons like Ronnie Lott.

Solidifying the Defensive Front

The focus was clear: beefing up the defensive line. The 49ers tapped three imposing defensive linemen among their initial five selections, all under 24 years old. This shows their commitment to rebuilding a formidable defense that can stand the test of time.

Unexpected Value Pick of the Draft

In a surprising twist, Oregon running back Jordan James fell to the fifth round. Despite a stellar collegiate performance with over 1,200 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, scouts were wary of his average speed (4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash) amid a crowded running back class. James caught the eye of former 49ers star Frank Gore and running backs coach Bobby Turner, who saw potential as a dynamic addition to the 49ers' offense.

A Shocking Choice