Pro Football Network's Joe DeLeone recently released his latest seven-round mock draft, offering projections ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine. With the San Francisco 49ers expected to prioritize strengthening the trenches, DeLeone has general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan using the No. 11 overall pick on Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant.
"The 2024 season was extremely underwhelming for the standards of the 49ers' success," DeLeone explained. "In order to return to Super Bowls, they need to boost the talent of their defense. Kenneth Grant is an unreal athlete with a ginormous frame. He can clear up space and divert attention from Nick Bose and Fred Warner."
Grant is coming off a strong 2024 campaign in which he recorded 32 tackles (seven for a loss), three sacks, and five passes defended. Over the past two seasons, he has tallied 6.5 sacks and earned career-high defensive (83.7) and run-defense (87.5) grades from Pro Football Focus.
The following are the remainder of DeLeone's projected selections for the 49ers, along with any comments he has on the picks.
Round 2, Pick 43: Donovan Jackson, OL, Ohio State
DeLeone: "The 49ers offensive line needs a facelift, and Donovan Jackson is exactly where they need to turn. This season Jackson saw snaps at tackle and guard, playing at a very high level at both in pass protection. If he improves as a run blocker he can be a standout starter."
Round 3, Pick 75: Jared Ivey, DL, Ole Miss
DeLeone: "Jared Ivey has the motor needed to play a very long time in the NFL. His impact against the run and ability to play multiple roles provides a ton of value for the 49ers with this pick."
Round 3, Pick 99: Anthony Belton, OT, NC State
DeLeone: "The tackle class for 2025 really starts to fall off at the start of the fourth round. Thankfully, with Anthony Belton, the 49ers could land a starter in Anthony Belton who is a bully in the run game and fluid in the pass game."
While the 49ers are projected to have 10 selections in the upcoming draft, DeLeone's mock draft lists 11 picks, with an additional seventh-rounder at No. 232. However, he provides no explanation for the extra selection.
DeLeone's Remaining 49ers Picks:
- Round 4, Pick 112: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA
- Round 4, Pick 138: Kobe Hudson, WR, UCF
- Round 4, Pick 139: Jordan Hancock, CB, Ohio State
- Round 6, Pick 189: Jake Majors, IOL, Texas
- Round 7, Pick 228: Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
- Round 7, Pick 232: Tyler Batty, EDGE, BYU
- Round 7, Pick 255: Jay Toia, DT, UCLA
This draft strategy reinforces the 49ers' focus on bolstering both sides of the line of scrimmage while adding depth across key positions.
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