Early ESPN 2025 mock draft projects 49ers bolstering defense

Last week, ESPN analyst Jordan Reid unveiled an early look at the 2025 NFL Draft, presenting one of the first mock drafts for next year's event. At first glance, San Francisco 49ers fans might be excited to see their favorite team selecting at the No. 32 overall pick, signaling a projected Super Bowl victory. However, Reid notes that the draft order was based on Super Bowl odds from ESPN BET, with San Francisco currently holding the best odds (+500).

Reid also acknowledges that he hasn't extensively evaluated the prospects expected to be part of next year's draft class, stating, "This is super early. I haven't spent a ton of time watching tape on these 2025 prospects yet, and I expect plenty to change between now and next April (or really, even this fall). This is based solely on where things stand right now, what I've seen from the class so far and what I'm hearing around the league."

For those wondering whether the 49ers might select an offensive tackle in the first round, Reid projects three tackles to be chosen before the team's selection at No. 32 overall: Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. of LSU, and Kelvin Banks Jr. of Texas.

Regarding the 49ers' projected pick, Reid sees general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan bolstering the defense by selecting Ole Miss defensive tackle Walter Nolen.

"Nolen is a flash player who transferred to Ole Miss from Texas A&M after four sacks last season," Reid shared. "He should have more opportunities to create disruption with the Rebels, which could make him a great pick for the 49ers, who could use reinforcements along their front seven. Part of San Francisco's identity is being strong and deep in the trenches."

The 49ers fortifying the defensive line with a rookie might not surprise anyone. Despite allowing defensive tackle Arik Armstead to depart this offseason, the team has always emphasized the importance of maintaining a formidable defensive front.

While San Francisco did not use any of its eight draft picks this year on defensive linemen, the team addressed the position in free agency by adding Leonard Floyd, Yetur Gross-Matos, and Jordan Elliott. Additionally, the 49ers traded for Maliek Collins while re-signing Kevin Givens.

As Reid points out, a lot can happen between now and next year's draft. We'll need to observe how the 49ers' revamped defensive line performs during the upcoming season before projecting too far into the future.