The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL Draft armed with 11 picks, including four within the top 100. The 49ers hope to walk away with multiple Day 1 contributors/starters later this week as they try to rebuild their defense, which saw several players leave in free agency.
The 49ers have the No. 11 overall pick in the draft, putting them in a prime position to address the trenches or get an impact defensive player. However, San Francisco could be in a spot to trade back, especially if a team in the 20s wants to move up.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Denver Broncos have made inquiries about trading up in the first round of the NFL draft. The Broncos currently have the No. 20 overall pick, but could be a team targeting a running back early.
Schefter: Broncos have made inquiries about trading up in 1st round of draft.
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) April 21, 2025
Therefore, if Denver were to swap spots with the 49ers, it wouldn’t put them in Ashton Jeanty's range, who could be off the board. However, the Broncos could snag Omarion Hampton at that spot as they would jump ahead of another RB-needy team in the Dallas Cowboys (No. 12).
As for the 49ers, a trade back wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, depending on how the top 10 shakes out. At No. 11, San Francisco can get a potential starter on the offensive line or the defensive line.
And the same thing could be said at No. 20 overall, if they were to move down. A potential trade of that magnitude would likely net San Francisco another pick in this year’s draft, but also a pick for the 2026 draft.
Kelvin Banks Jr. and Josh Simmons would be great options at tackle for the 49ers, while James Pearce Jr., Shemar Stewart, or Carson Schwesinger could be available in a potential move down.
Nonetheless, the 49er faithful will be watching to see what the team does on Thursday night. If San Francisco stays at No. 11 or moves down later in the first round, they must come away with a starting-caliber player. 49ers fans don’t want to see a repeat of last year and want to be back in the playoff conversation.