The San Francisco 49ers parted ways with a large chunk of their defensive line this offseason. It seems like they are going to try to bolster the trenches through the NFL Draft, which could lead them to take a chance on Rylie Mills out of Notre Dame.
The 6-foot-5, 295-pound product from Lake Bluff, Illinois, showed a lot of promise in his five seasons at Notre Dame. He came on strong in his senior year for the Fighting Irish, racking up 7.5 sacks and 37 total tackles.
He missed Notre Dame's final three games of the 2024 season in the College Football Playoff due to a knee injury. He was remarkably healthy outside of that, though, so he does not have a lengthy injury history.
The four-star recruit out of high school began his collegiate career as an edge rusher but moved to the interior by the end of his time at Notre Dame which is where he thrived.
The Niners could certainly use some interior linemen so Mills should be on their radar.
49ers have a need for a draft prospect like Rylie Mills
San Francisco released interior defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins this offseason, which leaves two pretty considerable holes in the middle of the defensive line. The 49ers seem content to use the draft to fill those holes, so they are going to have to draft well if they want to have an improved D-line in 2025.
Bleacher Report notes that Mills' size and his pass-rushing abilities make him an intriguing prospect heading into the NFL Draft. However, they also note that his lack of quickness and agility could make him a bit of a liability at times especially against the run.
The Niners struggled mightily against the run last season, so they may be more inclined to go after a defensive lineman who has proven to be an effective run-stopper at the college level.
But Mills still seems to have skills that would be beneficial, and with proper coaching, perhaps San Francisco could mold him into a more compete player.
B/R also lists the 24-year-old as a fourth-round prospect who could be a potential role player.
The 49ers should not reach for him, but if he is still available in the mid-to-late rounds, then they should take a chance on the high-upside Notre Dame product.
