The 49ers’ core group, including George Kittle, Fred Warner, Trent Williams and Nick Bosa, has kept San Francisco frequently competitive over the last several NFL seasons.<\/p>\n
It’s an impressive feat to keep a number of stars together on the same team for an extended period of time.<\/p>\n
But there’s a flip side to that continuity; the 49ers haven’t found many high-end players in recent drafts to supplement that core, which isn’t getting any younger.<\/p>\n
Their aging roster was highlighted recently in ESPN’s young talent rankings<\/a>, which rated each NFL team by its impact players under the age of 25.<\/p>\n San Francisco was ranked No. 30 out of 32 teams, dropping nine spots from No. 23 in 2024. That fall is primarily due to franchise quarterback Brock Purdy<\/a> turning 25 last season, removing him from consideration in the exercise.<\/p>\n Two other primary 49ers starters from last season, safety Ji’Ayir Brown and guard Dominick Puni, also have recently turned 25 and “graduated” from the youngster discussion.<\/p>\n However, San Francisco does have a few projected young starters: Safety Malik Mustapha (23), cornerback Renardo Green (24), linebacker Dee Winters (24) and receiver Ricky Pearsall (24) all should have major roles. The 49ers’ defensive line is particularly dependent on rookies to perform immediately, particularly first-round selection Mykel Williams<\/a> — who is only a month past his 21st birthday — as well as defensive tackles Alfred Collins and CJ West.<\/p>\n If the 49ers wish to rise in these under-25 rankings by next year — and perhaps extend their Super Bowl window — they will need a big rookie season from their 2025 NFL Draft class, in addition to big improvements from other young players.<\/p>\n