Look, everyone loves talking about the flashy picks. You want to see the San Francisco 49ers grab a lightning-fast wideout or a ball-hawking safety who flies across the screen. I get it. But honestly, if you’ve watched this team over the last couple of seasons, you know the real story isn't about the highlights. It’s about the guys who weigh 300 pounds.
This 7 round 49ers mock draft is built on a simple, somewhat scary truth: the Niners are getting old where it hurts the most. Trent Williams is a Hall of Famer, but he’s also 37. Christian McCaffrey isn't getting any younger. The core that made this team a powerhouse is hitting that age cliff, and John Lynch has to start throwing life jackets to the roster before it sinks.
Round 1, Pick 27: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
The nightmare scenario for the Niners is the day Trent Williams decides he’s done. We saw glimpses of it during his injury stints—the offense just... stops. Caleb Lomu is basically the insurance policy that fans have been begging for.
He’s a 6-foot-5 athlete with the kind of footwork that Kyle Shanahan dreams about. Most scouts see him as a guy who can start at right tackle immediately and eventually slide over to the left side. It’s not the "sexy" pick, but protecting Brock Purdy is the only way this window stays open. If Lomu is on the board here, you don't think twice. You just turn in the card.
Round 2, Pick 58: Derrick Moore, EDGE, Michigan
Nick Bosa is a god, but he’s been carrying the pass rush on his back for way too long. The 49ers have tried the "revolving door" approach with veteran rentals, and it’s been hit or miss. Derrick Moore is different. He’s got that Michigan pedigree—violent hands and a motor that doesn't quit.
Moore is the type of player who thrives in a wide-nine front. He isn't just a speed rusher; he’s got the strength to set the edge against the run, which is something the Niners' defense actually struggled with at times last year. Pairing him with Bosa gives the defensive line that "punch-you-in-the-mouth" identity back.
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Why the Middle Rounds are Where Lynch Wins
Historically, the 49ers find their best value on Day 2 and early Day 3. Think about George Kittle or Fred Warner. This year, the team has a cluster of compensatory picks, and they need to use them to fix the secondary and find a "Diet Kittle" for the future.
Round 3, Pick 90: Zachariah Branch, WR, Georgia
Wait, didn't I say the trenches were everything? Well, yeah, but you still need a spark. Zachariah Branch is basically a human joystick. With the Brandon Aiyuk situation always feeling like it's on a knife-edge and Deebo Samuel's physical playstyle taking its toll, the Niners need a guy who can score from anywhere.
Branch is a nightmare in space. You put him in motion, give him a jet sweep, or let him return punts, and suddenly the opposing defensive coordinator is sweating. He’s the "Shanahan Specialty" pick—a player whose versatility makes the playbook feel infinite.
Round 4, Pick 126: Michael Taaffe, S, Texas
Safety has been a bit of a revolving door. Talanoa Hufanga's injury history is a real concern, and while Malik Mustapha has been a fun find, depth is non-existent. Taaffe isn't the most athletic guy in the draft. He isn't going to break the 40-yard dash record. But he’s smart. Like, "always-in-the-right-spot" smart. He’s a sure tackler and a special teams ace from day one. In the fourth round, you're looking for guys who won't make mistakes. That's Taaffe.
Round 4, Pick 134: Anto Saka, EDGE, Northwestern
You can never have enough pass rushers. Saka is a developmental project, but the physical traits are wild. He’s long, explosive, and raw. If Kris Kocurek can get his hands on a guy like this, you’re looking at a situational pass rusher who could have six sacks as a rookie just on pure effort.
Round 4, Pick 137: Keylan Rutledge, iOL, Georgia Tech
Interior offensive line is the 49ers' quietest problem. Dominick Puni has been a revelation, but the rest of the guard/center spots have been shaky. Rutledge is a mauler. He’s the kind of guy who wants to bury a nose tackle in the dirt. He fits the "mean" profile the Niners have been leaning toward lately.
Rounding Out the Depth
By the time you get to the fifth and seventh rounds, you're basically looking for "traits" or guys who have one elite skill.
- Round 5, Pick 165: Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State. He’s huge for a corner. 6-foot-2 and physical. He had some penalty issues in college, but you can’t coach that size. If he can learn to be less "grabby," he’s a starting-caliber corner in this league.
- Round 5, Pick 174: Lawson Luckie, TE, Georgia. George Kittle is the GOAT, but he takes a beating. Luckie is a solid blocker with surprisingly good hands. He’s not a Kittle replacement, but he’s a very good Kittle assistant.
- Round 7, Pick 246 (via NE): Brian Parker II, C, Duke. Just a flyer on a smart center. You need competition for Jake Brendel, and Parker is technically sound enough to compete for a roster spot.
The Reality Check
We have to be honest: no mock draft survives contact with the actual draft. The 49ers might trade up. They might trade back. They might decide they need a kicker in the third round again (please, no).
But the logic here is sound. This 7 round 49ers mock draft addresses the literal foundations of the team. If you don't fix the offensive line and find a consistent pass rush opposite Bosa, it doesn't matter how good Brock Purdy plays. The window is still open, but the hinges are getting a little rusty.
What to watch next:
Keep a close eye on the NFL Combine's offensive tackle drills. Specifically, look at the 10-yard split times for guys like Caleb Lomu and Trevor Goosby. If they show that elite burst, their stock will skyrocket, and the 49ers might have to consider a trade-up into the top 20 to secure the future of their offensive line. Also, watch for any news regarding Brandon Aiyuk's contract status before April; a trade would completely flip this draft strategy on its head and likely force a wide receiver pick in the first round.