49ers, Cardinals Prepare for 2025 NFL Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the San Francisco 49ers are entering a transitional period after losing nine players in free agency and making few major offseason additions, putting them behind NFC West rivals who have been more aggressive in roster improvements. The 49ers hold 11 draft picks and are expected to use several on immediate starters, with key needs along the offensive and defensive lines and the potential to trade up or down given their draft capital. Despite speculation about trades involving wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, last year's first-round pick Ricky Pearsall is set for a larger role after a promising but injury-impacted rookie season. The 49ers are picking at No. 11, a spot where they hope top prospects such as an elite edge rusher or defensive tackle could fall to them, potentially addressing their most pressing needs. While fans remain optimistic about the draft's potential to reshape the roster, analysts view the upcoming season as a transition year for the 49ers, with ambitions to return to contention in 2026. The NFC West landscape has shifted, with the Rams and Cardinals making significant improvements and the 49ers focusing on financial flexibility and strategic drafting.