The San Francisco 49ers are poised to rebound from a lackluster 2025 NFL season that saw them finish with a disappointing 6-11 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The franchise now faces a crucial 2025 season, with a schedule that includes matchups against fellow fourth-place teams like the Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns, which could provide a lifeline for a quick turnaround.

Despite these opportunities, Pro Football Network forecasts a challenging path ahead, predicting the 49ers will not qualify for the playoffs once again, with the Arizona Cardinals forecasted to win the NFC West. While the 49ers' roster boasts stars like Trent Williams and Christian McCaffrey, their offseason actions and health concerns leave doubts about their playoff viability. Draft investments in their defense signal a focus on improvement, but whether it translates to on-field success remains to be seen.

The San Francisco 49ers made significant strides in the 2025 NFL Draft, amassing 11 picks and securing notable talent. ESPN's Matt Miller identified four of these selections among his top 100 draft fits, highlighting the potential impact these players could have on the team. First-round pick Mykel Williams from Georgia, praised for his impressive college stats, was noted as a strong fit at No. 38. Defensive tackle C.J. West (Indiana), wide receiver Jordan Watkins (Ole Miss), and running back Jordan James (Oregon) also made the list, showcasing the team's commitment to enhancing its roster.

Mykel Williams, a 6-foot-5 edge rusher, could thrive alongside All-Pro Nick Bosa, while C.J. West is framed as a developmental starter with a solid collegiate resume. Watkins brings speed and route-running prowess, and James is expected to step in as a key contributor after Jordan Mason's trade. The 49ers' strategic picks reflect their focus on bolstering their defensive and offensive lines, positioning themselves for future success in the competitive NFL landscape.

San Francisco 49ers made a strategic move by hiring Robert Saleh as their defensive coordinator again, after losing several key defensive players in free agency. Despite these losses, the team retained stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, and began addressing their defensive needs by selecting Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins in the draft. This focused approach allowed the 49ers to replenish their defense effectively, spending their first five picks to target defensive talent. General Manager John Lynch's vision became evident as the team climbed in power rankings post-draft, showing promise for a stronger defense. With health and young talent, the 49ers aim to revitalize their defense and support the offense under head coach Kyle Shanahan, who is looking to regain the team's offensive edge lost in the previous season.

The SEC set a record with 79 players drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, showcasing its dominance in college football. Leading the way was the University of Georgia, with a notable 13 players selected, surpassing the Big Ten, which had 71. Georgia's draft performance marked the second highest in its history, just behind their record-breaking class of 2022. The Bulldogs had players chosen in every round, including three in the first round.

Georgia's defensive stars lit up the first night of the draft with Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, and Malaki Starks earning early selections. On the second night, the offensive line was front and center as Tate Ratledge, Dylan Fairchild, and Jared Wilson were drafted. The final day saw six Bulldogs find their NFL homes, solidifying Georgia's reputation as a premier producer of NFL talent.

George Kittle's recent four-year, $76.4 million contract extension with the San Francisco 49ers has significant implications for Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert. As Kittle's deal positions him as the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, it intensifies the scrutiny around Goedert, who enters the final year of his contract and faces trade rumors amidst injury concerns.

Kittle's extension comes with $40 million guaranteed, a move that highlights the financial dynamics at play, especially as the Eagles anticipate future contract negotiations with key players. Goedert's status is precarious, with no guaranteed money left in his deal and a potential $4.1 million cap savings available for the Eagles should they decide to part ways with him. Yet, if Goedert can deliver a standout season, he could solidify his place in Philadelphia’s future plans.