The 2017 draft is a significant milestone for the San Francisco 49ers under the leadership of Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch, largely due to the remarkable selection of tight end George Kittle in the fifth round. Kittle has since become a pivotal player for the franchise, and without him, the 2017 draft could have been viewed as a failure. His success has established him as a cornerstone of the team, critical for their aspirations in 2025.
As the 49ers look ahead to their 2025 draft, there’s optimism surrounding the recent 2024 class. Kittle sees similarities with the current group of rookies and the class that initiated the team’s rebuild eight years ago. In a conversation with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco on the ’49ers Talk’ podcast, Kittle expressed confidence in the rookies, stating, “I’m expecting a lot of them to contribute at a high level.” He noted that the coaching staff anticipates significant contributions from the newcomers, much like the expectations set for his class.
This year’s draft class features players like Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West, who are expected to take on substantial roles in the defensive line. Additionally, third-round picks Nick Martin and Upton Stout are anticipated to start at key defensive positions. However, the 49ers are aware that they need this draft class to achieve greater collective success than the 2017 group did.
While Kittle stood out as a star, that draft also included disappointing outcomes with first-round picks Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster, as well as C.J. Beathard being viewed as a reach in the third round. Therefore, the emphasis is on Collins and West performing well, alongside other members of the class, to bolster the team’s long-term aspirations.
Kittle understands critical components to fostering growth among the rookies, highlighting the solid foundation of veteran players who are equipped to guide the newcomers. He stated, “It’s just [up to] us to uphold the standard and get those guys as game-ready as quickly as possible.” The veteran’s experience, combined with structured practice sessions that simulate game situations, is essential for the rookies’ quick acclimation.
The 49ers are banking on the idea that pressure creates opportunity, and they are hopeful that this pressure will lead to significant breakthroughs from their 2024 draft class, potentially leading to the emergence of new stars for years to come. This approach points towards a bright future for the franchise, setting the stage for sustained competitiveness in the NFL.