The San Francisco 49ers have made significant strides in bolstering their defense during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting 11 players with a strong emphasis on defensive positions. This approach has led to notable shifts in player roles, particularly affecting key individuals on the roster.

Among the winners, Robert Saleh gains new talent on defense following the offseason departures of Charvarius Ward, Dre Greenlaw, and Talanoa Hufanga. Ricky Pearsall emerges as a key beneficiary of the Niners' decision to delay drafting a wide receiver until the fourth round, securing a more prominent role after Deebo Samuel's exit. Conversely, Brock Purdy faces challenges as the team neglected to enhance his offensive weapons and only added one offensive lineman, which may hinder his performance following a season of being sacked 31 times. Isaac Guerendo, the promising young running back, may see reduced opportunities with the drafting of Jordan James, likely limiting his snaps despite a strong rookie season.