Any list of needs for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2025 NFL draft will have defensive line at or near the top.
They could use help on the offensive line as well, but given the organization’s philosophy and history in the NFL draft with head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch running the show, it’s safe to assume they’d prioritize the defensive front.
That’s exactly what they do in a first-round mock draft from Athlon’s Luke Easterling where Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant falls to them at No. 11 overall.
While there may be some trepidation from the 49ers after the Javon Kinlaw selection in the 2020 draft went sideways, Grant appears to have all the tools to be a disruptive player who can be on the field for all three downs. He can flat out move at 6-3, 339 pounds, and earned his way onto Bruce Feldman’s ‘Freaks List’ at the Athletic.
Grant should be able to step in and offer an improvement for the 49ers on Day 1.
Via Easterling:
I wouldn’t count out an offensive tackle here, but if the board falls this way, the 49ers could opt for trench help on the other side of the ball. Landing a massive mauler like Grant would be a huge win for a San Francisco defense that desperately needs that kind of disruptive presence on the inside against both the run and pass.
Finding a run-stopping defensive tackle is a must this offseason for San Francisco, but there’s not enough value in a run stuffer to justify taking one with the 11th pick. Any DT that goes this high will have to rush the passer as well, and Grant did that effectively during his time with the Wolverines.
Grant over the last two seasons posted 49 pressures and eight sacks according to Pro Football Focus. He also had 10 pass breakups in that span.
If the 49ers believe Grant can be an effective run stopper who can also push the pocket as a pass rusher, it’s hard to imagine they’d pass on him at No. 11 overall.
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