How the 49ers' 2025 Rookie Class Survived a Season of Chaos

How the 49ers' 2025 Rookie Class Survived a Season of Chaos

It’s time to dissect the San Francisco 49ers’ previous draft class. Being exactly one year removed from these selections, it is still too early to label this class a "legendary foundation" or a "total bust." However, the 2025 rookies were handed opportunities….brutally but handed nonetheless. The 2025 season was defined by a massive injury wave that forced nearly every one of these 11 picks into the fire. The result? A surprising 12-5 record and a gritty Wild Card win over the Eagles. Let's look at how the "Class of 25" fared in their trial by combat.

The Early Rounds

Round 1, No. 11: Mykel Williams, DE, Georgia

Williams arrived with the "Arik Armstead" blueprint. He is a versatile, powerful end who could slide inside. He was a godsend for a run defense that had been gashed the year prior. He showed steady growth and high level toughness, playing through a high ankle sprain in October. Unfortunately, the "Niner Curse" struck in November when he tore his ACL, just weeks after Nick Bosa suffered the same fate. He’s a star in the making, but 2026 will be all about the comeback.

Round 2, No. 43: Alfred Collins, DT, Texas

Collins might be the "hit" of the draft. While still a work in progress, his game saving forced fumble and recovery against the Rams in Los Angeles became an instant classic. He finished with 17 tackles and a sack, showing flashes of being a dominant interior disruptor for years to come.

Round 3, No. 75: Nick Martin, LB, Oklahoma State

Expected to fill the void left by Dre Greenlaw, Martin's rookie year never quite got off the tarmac. He spent most of his time on special teams before a concussion landed him on season ending IR. The talent is there, but he’s still an unknown heading into Year 2.

Round 3, No. 100: Upton Stout, CB, Western Kentucky

The "wolves" fed well on Stout early, but the kid fought back. After beating out Chase Lucas for the nickel role, Stout started four games and notched 43 tackles and five passes defended. He isn't a finished product, but he proved he belongs in the rotation.

The Mid-Round Grinders

Round 4, No. 113: CJ West, DT, Indiana

West struggled to find snaps in a crowded interior rotation. With zero starts in 14 games, he heads into 2026 needing a big training camp to avoid "roster bubble" status.