49ers' Fifth-Round Draft Pick Could Surprise Many in 2025

Former Kansas State safety Marques Sigle could be a surprise contributor in 2025.

The San Francisco 49ers had a sneaky need at safety this offseason, and, after focusing on offense in the later rounds of this year's draft, general manager John Lynch selected Kansas State's Marques Sigle in the fifth round at No. 160 overall.

He'll bring some speed to the position, as evidenced by his 4.37-second 40-yard dash and the NFL Scouting Combine this year.

Sigle will immediatley add some depth to the safety room and could have a chance to be a part of the rotation.

USA Today's Bucs Wire named Sigle the 49ers' candidate to surprise as a rookie.

"Marques Sigle’s path to snaps was opened significantly with news that second-year safety Malik Mustapha is dealing with a knee injury he sustained in the 2024 season finale," wrote Niners Wire's Kyle Madison. "It’s unclear what Mustapha’s timeline for return is, but it opens a starting safety spot alongside Ji’Ayir Brown whose job is also not safe.

"Sigle brings a ton of athleticism to a safety room that doesn’t have enough of it. If he winds up starting in Robert Saleh’s defense, he has the tools to become a Swiss Army knife defender who causes havoc in the secondary."

NFL.com's Lance Zierlein noted Sigle's aggression in his NFL Draft profile.

"Two-year starter at Kansas State after transferring from North Dakota State. Sigle is well built and plays the game with ideal aggression," Zierlein wrote. "He’s a physical run defender who can blow up plays in the backfield but is in too big a hurry as a tackler, resulting in a higher miss rate. He might lack the necessary speed and instincts to make plays in coverage from man or zone.

"Sigle is listed as a safety, but he will need to play near the line of scrimmage or as a big nickel with coverage limitations. He has NFL backup potential with good special teams traits."