49ers Struggling Season Sets the Stage for Key 2025 NFL Draft Selection

With their playoff hopes fading and a third consecutive loss in the books, the San Francisco 49ers are now focused on securing a high draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Following a 35-10 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, the 49ers are positioned at No. 14 in the draft order, marking a critical moment for their future.

The San Francisco 49ers’ disappointing 2024 season took another hit on Sunday with a 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium, leaving the team’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Now sitting at 5-7, the 49ers are in danger of missing the postseason, and their position in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft has become just as important as their remaining games. Currently holding the No. 14 overall pick in the draft, the 49ers are poised for their first top-15 selection since 2021, when they chose quarterback Trey Lance at No. 3 overall.

This year’s draft pick could have significant ramifications for the 49ers’ roster, particularly as the team faces an aging squad in need of reinforcements. The 49ers haven’t had the opportunity to draft high in recent years, with their most recent top-15 selection being defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw in the 2020 draft. The team has made five top-15 selections during general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan’s tenure, including:

• Defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (No. 3 overall, 2017)
• Offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey (No. 9 overall, 2018)
• Defensive end Nick Bosa (No. 2 overall, 2019)
• Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw (No. 14 overall, 2020)
• Quarterback Trey Lance (No. 3 overall, 2021)

Now, with five games remaining on their schedule—including tough matchups against the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Rams, Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Arizona Cardinals—the 49ers’ playoff aspirations are dwindling. A strong finish could still see them sneak into the postseason, but a more likely scenario involves a middle-of-the-first-round pick, which could be crucial for the future of the franchise.

One potential bright spot is the 49ers’ recent draft success, particularly in 2024. Some of their recent picks are already showing promise and could help reshape the roster. With a high pick in the 2025 draft, the 49ers will have the chance to add an impact player, whether it be to strengthen an aging defensive line or bolster the offense. The opportunity to select near the top of the draft for the first time since drafting Nick Bosa in 2019 could be an essential turning point for the franchise.

As it stands, here’s how the draft order looks, according to Tankathon.com:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-10)
2. Las Vegas Raiders (2-10)
3. New York Giants (2-10)
4. New England Patriots (3-10)
5. Carolina Panthers (3-9)
6. New York Jets (3-9)
7. Tennessee Titans (3-9)
8. Cleveland Browns (3-8)
9. Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
10. New Orleans Saints (4-8)
11. Chicago Bears (4-8)
12. Miami Dolphins (5-7)
13. Dallas Cowboys (5-7)
14. San Francisco 49ers (5-7)

As the draft picture continues to take shape, the 49ers are at a crossroads, balancing the chance to secure a valuable pick in the 2025 draft while still fighting for a potential playoff berth in a tough NFC. Their next few weeks could have lasting effects on both their playoff hopes and their future.