2 trades highlight 49ers post-free agency mock draft
With the early free agency rush winding down, we have a better idea of what the San Francisco 49ers roster will look like entering the NFL draft.
They didn't do much in free agency that dramatically altered their needs, but it did give us a better idea just how sizable each of their top NFL draft needs are. That helps a lot with our first post-free agency mock draft where connecting on San Francisco's top needs and selecting the top player available don't always align.
We used Pro Football Focus's mock draft simulator and the picks haven't been updated since the NFL officially announced the draft order. Because of that the pick numbers are a tick off. The trades all still work with the proper number picks.
Here is our three-round mock draft with a handful of trades that led to a whopping four (4!) picks in the third round:
Trade 1
49ers receive: First-round pick (No. 14), Third-round pick (No. 80), Fifth-round pick (No. 152), 2026 fourth-round pick
Colts receive: First-round pick (No. 11)
Round 1, Pick 14: CB Will Johnson, Michigan
Johnson could easily be the pick at No. 11 overall, but he was still there at No. 14 which made it an easy choice. He doesn't hit the 49ers' top need on the defensive line, but he was the best player available and he could help round out a very good secondary alongside cornerbacks Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green. Johnson is a big corner at 6-2, 194 pounds and he pulled down nine interceptions while breaking up 10 passes in three seasons for the Wolverines.
Round 2, Pick 43: DT T.J. Sanders, South Carolina
There's a chance any defensive lineman taken by the 49ers on Day 1 or 2 of the draft would be in line to start in Year 1, and Sanders looks ready to take on that role. He measured in at 6-4, 297 pounds at the combine, but he plays even bigger than that. Sanders is violent and doesn't spend a lot of reps going backward. In his last two seasons with the Gamecocks he racked up 17 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. If he can push the pocket consistently he would be a really nice second-round find for the 49ers.
Round 3, Pick 75: WR Jalen Royals, Utah State
This is probably a little early for a receiver, but Royals feels like a Kyle Shanahan guy. He's 6-foot, 205 pounds and produced big-time at Utah State despite not having elite athleticism. Royals posted 71 receptions for 1,080 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023. He was on track to blow past those reception and receiving yardage totals in 2024 before being shut down by a foot injury. In seven games he hauled in 55 balls for 834 yards and six touchdowns. Royals averaged 7.9 yards after catch per reception last season and won 64.1 percent of his contested catches in college according to Pro Football Focus. With question marks in the receiving corps, Royals would have an opportunity to make an impact right away.
Round 3, Pick 80: LB Chris Paul Jr., Mississippi
The need at linebacker is a bit of a question mark because San Francisco has several in-house options to replace Dre Greenlaw who departed for the Denver Broncos in free agency. Paul isn't an off-the-charts athlete, but he's a rock solid tackler (only 16 missed tackles the last three seasons per PFF) who spends a ton of time around the football. He did a little of everything for the Rebels last season after spending three years with Arkansas. In 2024 he put up 88 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and one interception. He needs to continue improving in coverage and he's a little undersized at 6-1, 222 pounds, but his skill set should give him a really good chance to start as the Will LB for San Francisco alongside LB Fred Warner.
Round 3, Pick 99: DE Ashton Gillotte, Louisville
It'll be interesting to see how the 49ers assess this year's EDGE class and what that group winds up looking like once they're done adding free agents. Gillotte was available late in the third round and brings starter upside with him to the NFL. He played a lot during his four years of college and racked up 26.5 sacks across 51 games, and there's a chance he can step in and be a three-down edge defender right away. There's a real chance the 49ers take a defensive end earlier in the draft, but in our mock we waited until late on Day 2 and still snagged a potential starter.
Trade 2
49ers receive: Third-round pick (No. 101)
Lions receive: Fourth-round pick (No.112), Sixth-round pick (No. 188)
Round 3, Pick 101: DT Aeneas Peebles, Virginia Tech
The risk of Peebles going between 101 and 112 was high enough that we used a sixth-round pick to climb up 11 spots and snag another interior defensive lineman for San Francisco. Peebles is so fun to watch. He measured in at 6-foot, 282 pounds, but his tape is a strong indicator that won't matter much in the NFL. Peebles flies around and plays a relentless brand of football the 49ers could quickly fall in love with. He has production to match the energy, too. Over his last two seasons, one with Duke and one with Virginia Tech, PFF had him down for 70 pressures, nine sacks and 40 run stops. Even if he's a production rotational interior lineman he'd be well worth a trade up into the back of the third round.
Picks remaining
Our trades left the 49ers with 12 total picks, six of which came on the first two days of the draft. That gives them six picks to work with on Day 3, spread between Nos. 138 and 252. Their remaining picks are Nos. 138, 147, 152, 227, 249 and 252.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: NFL draft: 49ers make 2 trades, load up on needs in 3-round mock
Topics
-
Steelers updated mock draft after the DK Metcalf trade
Steelers get help on defensive line in new mock draft after DK Metcalf trade.Yahoo Sports - 8h -
NFC South mock draft 11th edition
Complete mock draft for the NFC South, including the Bucs as the dust settles on free agencyYahoo Sports - 2h -
Jaguars make obvious pick in post-free agency 2025 NFL mock draft
The Jacksonville Jaguars made the obvious pick in a post-free agency 2025 NFL mock draft.Yahoo Sports - 5h -
7-round Broncos mock draft after first wave of NFL free agency
Following the first wave of NFL free agency, here is our updated 7-round mock draft for the Broncos.Yahoo Sports - 4h -
2025 NFL mock draft: Giants trade up to No. 1 while Steelers also take QB; Raiders and Cowboys add playmakers
Examining how the first week of free agency could impact the draftCBS Sports - 2h -
CBS Sports selects athletic right tackle for Saints in post-free agency mock draft
This CBS Sports post-free agency mock draft has the Saints replacing Trevor Penning with Mizzou right tackle Armand Membou.Yahoo Sports - 7h -
Who do Colts pick in post-free agency 2025 NFL mock draft?
Following the initial wave of NFL free agency, who did the Indianapolis Colts pick in the first round of a recent 2025 NFL mock draft?Yahoo Sports - 5h -
49ers NFL draft needs after 1st wave of free agent signings
The San Francisco 49ers haven't done much in free agency to change their major needs in the 2025 NFL draft.Yahoo Sports - 14h -
Latest composite 2025 NFL mock draft
Breakdown of the first round of the 2025 NFL draft using a composite of four mock drafts to see latest mock trends.Yahoo Sports - 6h -
NFC North Mock Draft, 10th edition
The NFC North has quickly become one of the more interesting divisions in the NFL Draft after free agency, here is where we project them right now.Yahoo Sports - 3h -
2025 NFL mock draft: Giants, Browns take QBs in top 3; Raiders select playmaker for Geno Smith
All 32 teams' drafts needs will become a lot more clear with free agency kicking offCBS Sports - 3d -
2025 NBA Mock Draft: Duke's Cooper Flagg goes No. 1 ahead of Rutgers' Dylan Harper
Flagg is the top pick in Kyle Boone's mock draft heading into the NCAA TournamentCBS Sports - 1d -
Southwest Airlines mocks Mavericks for Luka Doncic trade
Southwest Airlines is starting to make people pay for checked bags on flights, and it took the occasion to mock the mavericks for trading Luka Doncic.Yahoo Sports - 4h -
Mock Draft Monday with Hayden Winks: Raiders and Steelers land top WRs | Yahoo Fantasy Forecast
Another edition of 'Mock Draft Monday' rolls onto the pod feed as Underdog's Hayden Winks joins Matt Harmon to share his five favorite fits from his latest mock draft. In Winks' latest mock he has ...Yahoo Sports - 4d -
2025 NFL Mock Draft: Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders go back-to-back at the top
Eric Froton provides his mock draft analysis complete with the early market for betting props.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
2025 NFL mock draft roundup: Bears target top skill players at No. 10
In our latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft roundup, experts believe the Bears will target two of the top offensive players with the 10th overall pick.Yahoo Sports - 4h -
2025 NFL mock draft: Justin Fields, Sam Darnold get help from new teams; Shedeur Sanders falls out of Round 1
Let's see how the first wave of free agency impacts Round 1CBS Sports - 2d -
Highlights from new Colts' QB Daniel Jones' free agency press conference
Here are the highlights from QB Daniel Jones' free agency press conference with the Indianapolis Colts.Yahoo Sports - 15h -
How 49ers hope reported free-agent addition Farrell fits offense
Luke Farrell will be tasked with filling a role the San Francisco 49ers had hoped recent draft picks would.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Whatever the Seahawks’ Plan Is After Trading Geno Smith, It Better Work
The franchise shipped its established starting quarterback away for a late Day 2 draft pick. What’s going on in Seattle?The New York Times - 6d -
2025 NFL Draft takeaways from free agency: How Patriots' signings, other Day 1 moves impact draft decisions
Teams will continue filling potential draft needs in free agency this weekCBS Sports - 3d -
Sources: Mac Jones has 2-year deal with 49ers
Mac Jones, who wanted an opportunity to work with coach Kyle Shanahan, agreed to terms with the 49ers on a deal worth $7 million with $5 million guaranteed, sources said.ESPN - 1d -
Juan Soto first OF pick in last mock before Opening Day
Check out the results of our first fantasy baseball head-to-head points mock draft of 2025, featuring round-by-round picks and a snapshot of the rosters of all 10 teams.ESPN - 2d -
2025 Fantasy Baseball Draft Prep Guide: Rankings, mocks, sleepers, tiers, Dynasty -- your index to everything
Everything you need to dominate your draft, all in one placeCBS Sports - 18h -
Highlights from Colts new CB Charvarius Ward's free agency press conference
New Colts' CB Charvarius Ward met with the media on Thursday. Here are the highlights from the interview.Yahoo Sports - 16h -
Free agency signings have changed draft needs for these NFL teams
Several teams have altered their biggest 2025 NFL Draft needs with free agency moves. Here are a few standout impact changes.Yahoo Sports - 15h -
Updated list of Bruins' NHL draft picks after trade deadline moves
Here's an updated look at all of the Bruins' future draft picks after they made several moves before the 2025 NHL trade deadline.Yahoo Sports - 6d -
2025 NFL free agency: 49ers releasing nine-time Pro Bowl FB Kyle Juszczyk, per report
Juszczyk, will hit free agencyCBS Sports - 3d -
NFL Draft: Cowboys, 49ers, Ravens, Dolphins tie for most 2025 compensatory picks; here's the Rounds 4-7 order
The full draft order has been set. How do you feel about your team's selections?Yahoo Sports - 2d -
2025 NFL free agency: Patriots sign veteran quarterback Joshua Dobbs to two-year deal
Dobbs spent the 2024 season with the 49ersCBS Sports - 3d -
2025 NFL draft: List of Bills selections after comp picks are awarded, Kaiir Elam tradde
An updated view of the Buffalo Bills draft picks for the 2025 NFL Draft next month following the trade of Kaiir Elam.Yahoo Sports - 5h -
Vikings trade former starting guard Ed Ingram to Texans for 6th-round pick in 2026 draft
The Minnesota Vikings traded guard Ed Ingram to the Houston Texans on Thursday for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick, after the fourth-year player was supplanted in the starting lineup during the 2024 ...Yahoo Sports - 19h -
Cowboys star Micah Parsons loves the apparent dismantling of the 49ers in free agency
“No more rookie QB lol welcome to reality!”Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Broncos have filled key needs in NFL free agency
After addressing their key needs during free agency, the Broncos can go best player available in the NFL draft.Yahoo Sports - 5h -
NFL free agency: Fantasy football fallout and analysis of deals (and trades)
Fantasy football analyst Matt Harmon breaks down all the major deals going down during NFL free agency.Yahoo Sports - 4d -
Sources: Pats agree to trade Godchaux to Saints
The New England Patriots have agreed to trade DT Davon Godchaux to the New Orleans Saints for a seventh-round pick in the 2026 draft, sources told ESPN.ESPN - 3d -
Players Championship first round highlights: Vince Whaley's eagle-2 at No. 7 and unlucky No. 13
The best shots, hole, stats and quote of the day from the first round of The Players Championship.Yahoo Sports - 15h -
2025 Fantasy Baseball Mock Draft: Roto salary cap (auction) results show aggressive bids for Rotisserie studs
Ultimately, the price is even more important than the playerCBS Sports - 2d -
2025 NFL mock draft: Three quarterbacks taken in Round 1 as teams wait out Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson
At least three QBs have been taken in the first round eight of the past nine yearsCBS Sports - 1d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
As the NWSL brings in foreign talent, international players savor new opportunity: ‘Everyone just goes for the win all the time’
A new NWSL season kicks off this weekend, and there are a number of new faces across the league. Many of these players represent a trend in the NWSL: an influx of foreign players as the U.S.-based ...Yahoo Sports - 8m -
Dallas governor Patrick Dumont on Doncic trade: 'This was a decision about the future'
Trading a 25-year-old Doncic for a 32-year-old Anthony Davis was about the future? Sure.Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Free agent LB Eric Wilson leaves Packers to sign with Vikings
Free agent linebacker Eric Wilson is leaving the Packers to sign a two-year deal with the rival Vikings.Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Panthers' Jaycee Horn speaks on being the highest-paid DB in NFL history
Jaycee Horn worked hard to get his record-breaking contract extension. And now, he wants to work even harder to get the Panthers some more wins.Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Allen O’Donoghue: The Psychological Impact of Liverpool’s Champions League Exit
Mindset, Expectations, and the Weight of Defeat: Liverpool’s Champions League Exit and the Psychological Battle AheadLiverpool’s elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-G...Yahoo Sports - 13m
More in Sports
-
As the NWSL brings in foreign talent, international players savor new opportunity: ‘Everyone just goes for the win all the time’
A new NWSL season kicks off this weekend, and there are a number of new faces across the league. Many of these players represent a trend in the NWSL: an influx of foreign players as the U.S.-based ...Yahoo Sports - 8m -
Dallas governor Patrick Dumont on Doncic trade: 'This was a decision about the future'
Trading a 25-year-old Doncic for a 32-year-old Anthony Davis was about the future? Sure.Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Free agent LB Eric Wilson leaves Packers to sign with Vikings
Free agent linebacker Eric Wilson is leaving the Packers to sign a two-year deal with the rival Vikings.Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Panthers' Jaycee Horn speaks on being the highest-paid DB in NFL history
Jaycee Horn worked hard to get his record-breaking contract extension. And now, he wants to work even harder to get the Panthers some more wins.Yahoo Sports - 13m -
Manchester City vs Brighton and Hove Albion (Premier League): Match Preview, Team News, Stats, Head to Head, How to Watch
Manchester City return to action back at the Etihad Stadium against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend in the last fixture before the March international break.Pep Guardiola and his players are ...Yahoo Sports - 13m