The San Francisco 49ers are just over one month away from the 2025 NFL Draft, where they have one of the most crucial decisions in recent memory with the No. 11 pick.
Rather than improve the roster this offseason, the 49ers have seen a haul of free agents leave on the open market, while making only marginal additions with a primary focus on special teams.
That leaves a significant emphasis on the 2025 NFL Draft, where the 49ers need quite a few future starters to develop, allowing them to field a strong roster while getting both younger and cheaper.
Which leads us to the No. 11 pick. In a draft class that isn’t perceived as top-heavy as others, San Francisco has a tough decision to make with their first round pick.
Many pundits have pointed to the offensive line for the 49ers. That could very well make sense, as the 49ers lost Aaron Banks in free agency, need an improvement at center, and have questions at tackle for the future.
Defensive line could also be a priority, as San Francisco has a dire need for interior defensive linemen, as well as a future option opposite Nick Bosa on the edge.
Some have even pointed out the need at cornerback, as the 49ers are missing a starter after losing out on Charvarius Ward, who signed a three-year, $54 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
But, how about wide receiver? Now, San Francisco has made quite a few major moves at the position in the past year.
They extended Brandon Aiyuk on a four-year deal. They drafted Ricky Pearsall in the first round last year. And they just traded Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders this offseason.
Ultimately, they have long-term investments with Aiyuk and Pearsall at wideout. Jauan Jennings is a fan-favorite and could be brought back before he hits free agency next offseason.
But, there are also a few intriguing wideouts that analysts have as top prospects in this year’s draft, namely Arizona’s Tetairoa McMillan and Texas’s Matthew Golden.
With the increasing price and value of receivers, drafting a talented player at the position and having them on a cheaper contract is appealing.
McMillan has picked up steam recently after solid testing at his Pro Day, which was his biggest question mark entering the pre-draft process. He reportedly ran in the mid-4.5s for his 40-yard dash, which was a respectable number for his frame and skill set.
Golden has picked up steam since a strong College Football Playoff run, running a 4.29 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and displaying good route running on film.
It would have to take a lot for San Francisco to take another first round wide receiver. That definitely doesn’t seem like the most realistic option. But, in a draft where they must hit on their slew of picks, the 49ers should take the best player available on their board.
If that ends up being a receiver, that could be the pick, adding flexibility should the team want to move on from Brandon Aiyuk at some point for whatever reason, while adding another younger, cost-controlled wideout to the roster.