The San Francisco 49ers will be selecting at No. 11 in the 2025 NFL draft. Former linebacker Patrick Willis, a recent Hall of Fame inductee, stands out as one of the franchise's greats picked at this spot in the 2007 draft. Willis achieved notable career stats and was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection. However, Sports Illustrated considers J.J. Watt, a dominant defensive player with multiple accolades and a standout career with the Texans and Cardinals, as the best No. 11 pick in NFL history.
Other notable mentions for the best pick at No. 11 include Dallas Cowboys' Michael Irvin, Pittsburgh Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger, and Denver Broncos' DeMarcus Ware, all Super Bowl champions. The success stories of these players highlight the potential for the 49ers to secure another standout player with their upcoming first-round choice, mirroring the impact of past selections like Willis and the other esteemed players mentioned.