With the 2025 NFL Draft just over two weeks away, analysts continue to zero in on how the San Francisco 49ers will use their first-round pick, with most pointing to reinforcements in the trenches or secondary.
The team's departures in free agency, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines, are shaping expert opinions as several mock drafts highlight potential impact players who could immediately bolster the roster.
Here's a look at who the experts have the 49ers selecting in the first round this week:
- Will Campbell - OL, LSU
"The 49ers add Campbell's strength and pass protection skills at left guard, with the chance he eventually takes over one of the tackle spots..."
- Mason Graham - DT, Michigan
"... Drafting a tough, physical player who can create disruption from the interior should be a huge priority."
- Kelvin Banks Jr. - OT, Texas
"Banks has the ability to slide over and take on the right tackle spot as a rookie – and he could make the switch back to left tackle..."
- Walter Nolen - DT, Ole Miss
"... Nolen would be a play-wrecker for them. He is overwhelmingly powerful and explosive, and he could help replace veterans Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave. Nolen had 6.5 sacks in his lone season at Ole Miss after two years at Texas A&M. In a league that has put an increased premium on pass-rushing defensive tackles, he would provide San Francisco with a valuable building block."
- Jahdae Barron - CB, Texas
"Charvarius Ward's departure in free agency has reintroduced cornerback as a need for the 49ers. Robert Saleh, back calling the shots for this defense, will undoubtedly be banging the table for this year's top prospect at the position. Barron is a versatile cornerback who would excel in Saleh's quarters-heavy scheme after earning an 82.0 PFF coverage grade in quarters looks in 2024."
- Jihaad Campbell - LB, Alabama
"It's hard to compare people to Micah Parsons. Campbell isn't as fast as the Cowboys dynamic superstar, but he's not that far off — and he's probably at least as explosive. As was the case with Parsons when he came out of college, Campbell hasn't scratched the surface with regard to all the things he can do on a football field."
