2025 NFL Draft concluded: Essential decisions needed by 49ers to complete squad

Tackling the 49ers Offseason Overhaul: A Pragmatic Guide

The 2025 NFL Draft saw San Francisco 49ers making a splash, tying with four other teams for the most picks in the league. But even with those new faces, the team's roster is far from set. After a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024, changes were inevitable. General Manager John Lynch wasted no time, starting the offseason with a bang by shipping off Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.

Samuel's departure put everyone on notice, including high-profile veterans like George Kittle, Kyle Juszczyk, Christian McCaffrey, and Trent Williams. The exodus didn't stop there. Defensive veterans Leonard Floyd, Javon Hargrave, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Maliek Collins, Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw, Isaac Yiadom, and Rock Ya-Sin all left or were let go.

Facing such significant losses, it's no surprise that the 49ers focused on defense in the draft. However, with key positions still empty, free agency is on the horizon. Whether it's before Organized Team Activities, OTAs, or training camps, Lynch has some ground to cover to get his team back to title contention.

Shoring Up Linebacker Depth

The 49ers have a solid foundation in their linebacking corps, with Fred Warner and Dee Winters leading the charge. But with Greenlaw and Flannigan-Fowles gone, and De'Vondre Campbell not re-signed, the group is looking thin. Nick Martin, a solid but injury-prone prospect, was drafted in the third round as a potential replacement. But for now, veteran depth is needed, with career journeyman Luke Gifford serving as the only experienced backup.

Five-time All-Pro C.J. Mosley could be a perfect addition to the roster, but with the team tight on cap space, he might be out of reach. Other options, such as Khaleke Hudson, Eric Kendricks, Zach Cunningham, or Kwon Alexander, could provide a capable starting role, at least until Martin is ready to step up.

Seeking Veteran Cornerback Talent

The 49ers faced more losses in free agency at no position than at cornerback, with Charvarius Ward, Yiadom, and Ya-Sin all departing. The team did sign Tre Brown, Tre Tomlinson, and Siran Neal, but they fail to fill the void left by the departures.

Historically, the 49ers, under Robert Saleh, have relied on tight man-coverage schemes. A lockdown cornerback is crucial for this approach. With no clear superstar available, options such as Kendall Fuller, James Bradberry, Rasul Douglas, and Asante Samuel Jr. could provide the experience the team needs.

Test Driving a New Kicker

Jake Moody, the 49ers' kicker, has shown signs of struggle in his young career, with a decreasing accuracy rate and injury concerns. The team needs to bring in competition to push Moody and find a more reliable option. Formerly one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, Eddy Piñeiro, could be a solid choice, as could Austin Seibert and Cade York, both of whom made over 80% of their kicks in 2024.

Now, with the offseason in full swing, the 49ers have work to do to strengthen their roster and return to their Super Bowl-contending form.

The 49ers, with a weakened defense after several departures, need to focus on adding veteran depth, particularly at linebacker, where they lack experienced backups.
In search of a lockdown cornerback to fill the void left by multiple departures, the 49ers are considering signing experienced players such as Kendall Fuller, James Bradberry, Rasul Douglas, and Asante Samuel Jr.
Struggling with the performance of their current kicker, Jake Moody, the 49ers are looking to bring in competition to push Moody and find a more reliable option, with former accurate kicker Eddy Piñeiro and Austin Seibert being potential choices.