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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Preseason hype didn't translate to regular season reps. An early injury set him back, and he finished with just two catches. With Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall now leading the room, Watkins is fighting for life.
Despite the 49ers' constant search for a CMC backup, James was largely invisible, failing to beat out Isaac Guerendo for meaningful touches.
A late-round gem. Sigle made the game sealing stop on 4th and 1 against the Rams and stepped up heroically for an injured Ji’Ayir Brown in the playoff win over Philly. He has "future starter" written all over him.
Round 6, No. 227: Kurtis Rourke, QB, Indiana – A developmental redshirt. We won't know what he is until Mac Jones' contract status changes in 2027.
Round 7, No. 249: Connor Colby, G, Iowa – Logged six starts due to injuries. He showed he can play in the league, but he hasn't locked down a starting job yet.
Round 7, No. 252: Junior Bergen, WR, Montana – Currently on a futures contract after failing to make the initial 53-man roster.
The 2025 class was a "trial by fire" group. While the injury bug claimed their first rounder, the contributions from Collins, Stout, and Sigle were instrumental in the 49ers making a playoff run despite a depleted roster. If Williams returns to form and Martin stays healthy, this class could be the bridge to the next era of 49ers dominance.