Published May 21, 2025 • 5 mins ago
D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
The above videos are auto-populated by an affiliate.
ESPN’s Mike Clay recently released his rookie stat projections for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. These projections, which Clay notes are his own, are based on a combination of league, team, coaching, and player trends, along with anticipated depth chart positions, roles, and potential missed time due to injury.
Three San Francisco 49ers draft picks landed in the top five of three major statistical categories—first-round defensive end Mykel Williams (sacks), and third-rounders Nick Martin (tackles) and Upton Stout (interceptions).
Clay projects Williams to record six sacks in his rookie campaign, tying him for the top spot among first-year pass rushers alongside Abdul Carter (Giants) and Jalon Walker (Falcons). Williams is expected to benefit significantly from playing opposite All-Pro edge rusher Nick Bosa.
At linebacker, Martin is projected to finish with 58 tackles—tied for second among rookies with cornerback Jahdae Barron (Broncos) and trailing only Ravens safety Malaki Starks (71).
“Martin is our top projected tackler at the position, as the third-rounder should carve out a role next to Fred Warner in San Francisco,” Clay noted.
Meanwhile, Stout’s one projected interception is enough to crack the top five among rookies, as no player is forecasted to grab more than two this season.
“These always seem super low, and that’s not by accident,” Clay said of the interceptions projection. “Rookies are averaging a total of 42.2 interceptions per season over the past decade. There were 48 interceptions by first-year players in 2024, which tied for the second-highest mark in that span. But in four of the past six seasons, rookies combined for fewer than 40 INTs.”
While projections don’t guarantee success, Clay’s outlook suggests that the 49ers’ 2025 draft class could make an immediate impact, particularly on defense. That’s precisely what the team was counting on during this offseason’s roster overhaul.
Nobody’s perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
Comments
Do not use the comments to notify us of errors in the article. Editors may not see it. Instead, report errors here.
More San Francisco 49ers News
Cynthia Frelund projects 49ers as NFC West champs in 2025
Cynthia Frelund projects 49ers as NFC West champs in 2025
Get ready for a home playoff game, San Francisco 49ers fans. At least, that’s what NFL Media analyst Cynthia Frelund is projecting for the Bay Area team in the 2025 season. Following the release of the NFL schedule, Frelund incorporated the new information into her win…
ESPN expects ‘fearless’ draft pick to make immediate impact for 49ers
ESPN expects ‘fearless’ draft pick to make immediate impact for 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers used their first two draft selections to reinforce the defensive line, aiming to build a dominant front for years to come. In the third round, they addressed another defensive need by selecting Oklahoma State linebacker Nick Martin, who could help fill…
ESPN reveals why Kurtis Rourke could thrive with the 49ers
ESPN reveals why Kurtis Rourke could thrive with the 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers were widely expected to target a quarterback in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Still, few anticipated they’d take a chance on one recovering from ACL surgery—especially one who may not be ready to compete for a roster spot during training…
ESPN doesn’t expect much from 49ers’ Jordan James in Year 1
ESPN doesn’t expect much from 49ers’ Jordan James in Year 1
ESPN’s Mike Clay evaluated the landscape for rookie NFL running backs, projecting the potential roles of several first-year players. Among them is Jordan James, whom the San Francisco 49ers selected in the fifth round of the draft out of Oregon. James joins a backfield led by…