"It is essential to note that this is not a judgment; it serves merely as a reference point," Chichester clarified. "After all, taking the 10th-ranked player at No. 11 is hardly a steal, just as grabbing the 25th-ranked player at No. 20 isn't really a reach."
According to the analytics site, former Iowa guard Connor Colby was the 49ers' biggest steal. He was ranked No. 198 on PFF's big board but was selected in the seventh round with the No. 249 overall pick.
The 6-foot-6, 310-pound offensive lineman started 50 games during his college career, including 44 at guard. In 2024, he allowed just two sacks and 10 pressures over 316 pass-blocking snaps (743 total).
The 49ers' second-best value pick was former Indiana defensive tackle CJ West, who ranked No. 72 on PFF's big board but wasn't selected until the fourth round at No. 113 overall.
On the other end of the spectrum, former Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin was labeled the team's biggest reach. San Francisco selected him in the third round at No. 75 overall, despite a No. 198 ranking on PFF's board—123 spots lower.
Martin missed seven games in 2024 due to a knee injury but still tallied 47 tackles (eight for a loss), a sack, and two passes defensed. However, in 2023, he posted an impressive 140 tackles (16 for a loss), six interceptions, and two pass breakups over 14 starts.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' biggest roster hole entering training camp identified by CBS Sports
The San Francisco 49ers made sweeping changes to their roster this offseason. While the additions of wide receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk generated most of the headlines, the team also focused on strengthening its defense. CBS Sports' Josh Edwards recently identified... -
Robert Saleh names 49ers' biggest rookie surprise from last season
The San Francisco 49ers invested heavily in their defense during the 2025 NFL Draft, using six of their 11 selections on defensive players, including each of their first five picks. One rookie, however, stood out more than the rest to former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert... -
49ers training camp: Four draft picks to watch closely this summer
With San Francisco 49ers rookies officially reporting to the SAP Performance Facility on July 18, all eyes will be on the team's newest draft class as first-year players look to prove they can contribute during the 2026 NFL season. The good news for the 49ers is that there are... -
Former 49ers star says 'rest in peace' to Brandon Aiyuk's NFL career
Brandon Aiyuk has targeted just about everyone on social media this offseason—the San Francisco 49ers, his former agent, the NFL Players Association, and even his friend, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now, one former 49ers standout believes Aiyuk may have...