Why the 49ers must strike gold with their 2025 NFL Draft class

With the 2025 NFL Draft now a month away and the number of roster losses vastly outweighing the gains, the 49ers now are more reliant than ever on the success of their rookies. San Francisco has pivoted to a less familiar offseason strategy that hinges on getting this draft class 'right.' Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan discuss if the 49ers can compliment their proven core with impactful youth from this draft and extend their championship window. The duo also discuss which players on both lines of scrimmage make sense for the 49ers in the first round and beyond? Also, Matt and Jennifer take a not-too-early look at the 49ers' players scheduled to hit free agency in 2026 as their needs don't just stop with the 2025 season.

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(3:15) 49ers have typically drafted a year in advance, this season they are drafting for 'now'
(7:00) This can't be a ‘reach’ draft, 49ers must prioritize the best player available
(13:25) People talk about the high-profile draft misses during the John Lynch era, but he's found many gems in his tenure
(18:00) Did drafting Brock Purdy save John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s jobs?
(22:00) Looking ahead at 49ers' scheduled free agents for 2026