Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart

Round 1, No. 11 overall: Mykel Williams, EDGE, Georgia

My take: The 49ers almost HAD to take a defensive lineman with their first pick and will almost certainly need to do so again once or twice in the next few rounds. It only made sense for them to address edge first given the importance of the position and their seemingly never-ending search for a tag team partner for Nick Bosa. Williams is far from a finished product, and this will put the pressure on line coach Kris Kocurek to help him reach his potential, but it's a worthwhile swing on a player who might have gone much higher if not for a left ankle injury in 2024.

Will he start as a rookie?: It would be a surprise -- and not a good one -- if he doesn't. The Niners do have Yetur Gross-Matos, who can slide inside and play on the interior, but Williams has one skill that should make him an instant fit in the starting front: setting the edge. In the wide-9 defense, the ends need to be able to consistently do that, and it's something Williams excelled at in college, albeit from different alignments. That alone should help him get on the field right away.

Key stat to know: Williams had 14 sacks in three seasons at Georgia while lining up all over the Bulldogs' defensive line. That lack of sack production makes Williams something of a gamble when it comes to the pass rush, but he had two of the best games of his career against Texas and offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr., who went ninth overall to the New Orleans Saints. In those games, Williams had four of his five sacks, offering signs that he needs better health and some time to become the pass rusher the Niners believe he can be.

What's next: The 49ers aren't slated to pick again until the second round, No. 43 overall. They will also have a pair of third rounders on Friday night. With Williams in tow, defensive end should be sufficiently checked off the list of needs, but a defensive tackle or two should be a priority on day 2 with linebacker, receiver, running back and cornerback also under consideration.

Round 2: No. 43

Round 3: No. 75

Round 3: No. 100

Round 4: No. 113

Round 4: No. 138

Round 5: No. 147 (from Washington through New Orleans)

Round 5: No. 160 (from Minnesota)

Round 7: No. 227

Round 7: No. 249

Round 7: No. 252