The San Francisco 49ers had a disappointing season in 2024, finishing with a 6-11 record and earning the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Most of the team’s problems from 2024 can be attributed to bad injury luck. However, the team also saw several impact players on both sides of the ball leave in free agency this offseason, so the team will need to nail this draft.

Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Charvarius Ward, Deebo Samuel, and Javon Hargrave are just some of the players from the 2024 team who are playing elsewhere in 2025.

Thus, there are plenty of directions the team could go with the No. 11 pick. Today, however, we’re going to identify four players the team should stay away from.

Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State

Tyler Warren is one of the most interesting prospects in this class. The Penn State product dominated in 2024, catching over 100 passes and cementing himself as one of the top pass-catchers in this draft.

Recently, some buzz has been out there about star tight end George Kittle being unhappy. Kittle was not in attendance at organized team activities and the team could possibly trade the veteran.

If Kittle gets moved, the team would be a prime candidate to take Warren. Warren is an elite talent, but the 49ers gave a solid contract to Luke Farrell in free agency

Thus, even without Kittle, the 49ers have more pressing needs than tight end at No. 12.

Matthew Golden, WR, Texas

Matthew Golden, like Warren, has a case for being this draft’s best pass-catcher.

Golden has great speed and is a solid route-runner already. On paper, the Texas product would fit in well in San Francisco. However, even with Samuel gone, the 49ers still have Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings. The team also added reliable veteran Demarcus Robinson in free agency.

The 49ers could definitely add a receiver at some point in the 2025 draft. However, the team can fill a much bigger need with the No. 11 pick and should be able to land a solid receiver later in the draft.

Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas

Jahdae Barron is a defensive back who has been rocketing up draft boards since the combine in Indianapolis.

The corner has elite speed, solid tracking skills, and isn’t afraid to tackle. However, Barron’s slender frame and short arms may force him to play as a nickel corner in the NFL.

The 49ers definitely need a corner, but they don’t need a nickel. Deommodore Lenoir excelled in 2024 and has a firm grasp on the starting spot. The Niners would be better off going after a true boundary corner like Will Johnson or perhaps Trey Amos later on.

Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

Jalon Walker is another talented prospect who has rocketed up draft boards recently. Some mocks even have Walker going inside the top 10, while others have the linebacker going around No. 20.

Walker is a super athletic linebacker who is capable of playing as an edge-rusher or an off-ball linebacker. The 49ers need both of those positions, but Walker isn’t elite at either yet.

The Niners would be better off taking either a true off-ball linebacker or edge-rusher. Walker would likely take time to develop and wouldn’t be able to be relied upon immediately as a starter.