Despite losing numerous standout players to season-ending injuries, the San Francisco 49ers sit at 9–4 through 13 weeks of the 2025 NFL season. The 49ers 2025 rookie class has played a crucial role in keeping the team in playoff contention, stepping up alongside veterans like Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams.
San Francisco drafted 11 players this spring — one of the league’s largest classes — and injuries have forced several to step into major roles. Here’s how the group has fared so far.
49ers Rookie Class 2025: Key Contributors and Outlook
Rookies Making Immediate Impact
Mykel Williams (Round 1 — EDGE)
The first-round pick out of Georgia stepped into a starting role from Week 1 due to the team’s limited pass-rush depth. Williams flashed his upside with 20 tackles and a sack in nine games. However, a torn ACL on Nov. 2 against the New York Giants halted his progress. Still, he remains a long-term piece of the defense, and his early contributions highlight his potential.
Alfred Collins (Round 2 — DT)
At 6’5″, 332 pounds, Collins has been a physical presence inside from day one. Moreover, his counting stats (nine tackles in 11 games) do not reflect his impact. His size has opened lanes for teammates, and his forced fumble/recovery against the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 2 sealed one of the team’s biggest wins of the season.
Upton Stout (Round 3 — CB)
The nickel corner from Western Kentucky has been one of the 49ers’ most productive 2025 rookies. In fact, Stout seized the starting nickel role early and hasn’t given it back, recording 57 tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and three pass breakups in 11 games. Consequently, his emergence has been critical to San Francisco’s improved pass defense.
Marques Sigle (Round 5 — S)
Drafted primarily for depth, the Kansas State safety stepped into action after multiple injuries at his position. Sigle has responded with 49 tackles, two passes defended, and a fumble recovery in 10 games. With Malik Mustapha and Ji’Ayir Brown healthy, he remains a reliable rotational option.
Connor Colby (Round 7 — G)
Colby filled in for injured guard Ben Bartch for nine games and showed promise despite typical rookie growing pains. Now, with veterans returning, he remains a promising option for the team’s interior line in the future.
49ers Rookie Class 2025: Rotational Players
CJ West (Round 4 — DT)
West has joined Collins in the defensive tackle rotation, recording 12 tackles in nine games. The Indiana product has shown enough for the 49ers to envision both rookies anchoring the interior together in the coming years.
Nickolas Martin (Round 3 — LB)
With Fred Warner and Tatum Bethune injured, Martin had opportunities but has not carved out consistent snaps, totaling 10 tackles and a forced fumble in seven games. His development remains a work in progress.
Jordan Watkins (Round 4 — WR)
Buried behind a deep group of veteran receivers, Watkins has appeared in only three games, catching two passes for 26 yards. However, if Brandon Aiyuk or Jauan Jennings depart in the offseason, Watkins could see a larger role in 2026.
49ers Rookie Class 2025: Yet to Debut
Three rookies — RB Jordan James, QB Kurtis Rourke, and WR Junior Bergen — have yet to make their NFL debut. Among them, Rourke appears the most likely to play soon as Brock Purdy’s primary backup. Meanwhile, James and Bergen will likely continue developing behind established starters.
Looking Ahead
With upcoming games against the first-place Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks, the injury-plagued 49ers will need continued contributions from some of these rookies to secure a playoff spot. Regardless of how the season ends, this large and unexpectedly crucial rookie group has helped keep San Francisco afloat and may define the team’s future.
Main Image: Troy Taormina – Imagn Images
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