The San Francisco 49ers entered this offseason following a disappointing 6-11 season, but with optimism that a strong offseason can return the 49ers to Super Bowl contention.
The 49ers did lose some talent this offseason, however, losing both linebacker Dre Greenlaw and defensive end Leonard Floyd. The one bright spot about their disappointing season is they are in possession of the 11th pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
NFL Network's Eric Edholm released a new mock draft, one where he projects the 49ers to select a player in the first round who could replace both of them - Georgia linebacker Jalon Walker.
"The 49ers are now without LB Dre Greenlaw and edge Leonard Floyd; technically, Walker can help at both spots," wrote Edholm. "Finding his exact role and position will be key, but the dynamic Georgia defender can be a traditional off-ball linebacker on typical run downs and rush the quarterback in passing situations."
Walker won a National Championship with Georgia in 2022. In his final season in 2024, Walker had 60 tackles, 11 for loss, and 6.5 sacks. He also had two pass deflections and two fumble recoveries.
With Walker, the 49ers could kill two birds with one stone, a player who could slide in at either position. The problem with Walker, however, is that he isn't a perfect fit at either position. He's drawn criticism for a lack of instincts as an off-ball linebacker, and he lacks the size that would indicate an edge rusher in the run game.
The 49ers, as currently constructed, do not project to have a good run defense. Without a good run defense, an opportunity to rush the quarterback will never come; and that's where Walker would truly shine; as a pass rusher.
That could be reason for the 49ers to draft the other defensive end from Georgia - Mikel Williams, who has much more size and is incredible in run defense.
Williams in 12 games in 2024 had 21 tackles, nine for loss, and five sacks, while also tallying two pass deflections and two forced fumbles.
Either way, the possibility of a Georgia defensive end pairing up with Nick Bosa is certainly in the cards.
