As the San Francisco 49ers prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, their offseason has seen significant player movement, with 20 roster changes including trades, releases, and free agency departures. The 49ers lost key players who contributed to a combined 209 games with 115 starts last season, primarily due to injuries. In response, they have signed nine new players who collectively played 140 games last year, seeking to fill the gaps left by departed veterans.

Key players like linebacker Dre Greenlaw and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave are among those now elsewhere, while the team has also re-signed several contributing players to retain some continuity. With the new acquisitions and draft strategies on the horizon, the 49ers aim to remain competitive in the highly contested NFC West.

With the NFL draft approaching, the Denver Broncos have made significant progress in addressing key areas of need. They bolstered their roster through free agency, acquiring linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and tight end Evan Engram. This shift allows the Broncos to approach the draft with a degree of flexibility and not urgency, as highlighted by analysts Mina Kimes and Sam Monson. They emphasized that the Broncos can afford to be strategic, possibly targeting additional wide receiver talent and addressing the running back position after declining to re-sign Javonte Williams.

Monson noted the stark contrast between teams with numerous needs and the Broncos, who have effectively filled essential roles. This positions them to make more calculated decisions with the 20th overall pick in the draft, aiming to enhance their depth and future potential. Kimes echoed this sentiment, stating that the Broncos aren't drafting from a place of desperation, thus enabling them to focus on obtaining younger, cost-effective talent that can bolster their depth for the upcoming season.

The San Francisco 49ers are ramping up their search for a new linebacker to fill the void left by Dre Greenlaw, who departed in free agency. With Fred Warner already solidifying the core of their defense, the 49ers are considering external options, notably hosting Chris Paul Jr. from Ole Miss for a pre-draft visit.

Paul, though slightly undersized at 6-1 and 222 pounds, has made a name for himself with impressive athleticism. His college stats include 225 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks over four seasons. While there are concerns around his ability to shed blocks against larger linemen, his speed and instincts allow him to make plays in the run game. A key factor will be his adaptability in coverage, essential for the Will linebacker role in San Francisco’s system.

In a concerted effort to bolster their roster, the Denver Broncos have made significant moves this offseason by signing three prominent free agents, albeit each comes with a history of injuries. New safety Talanoa Hufanga has missed 17 games in the last two seasons due to ACL and wrist issues. Fellow linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who joins him, had a similar fate, missing 14 games in 2021 and 15 games in 2024 as he recovers from an Achilles injury. Tight end Evan Engram, another vital acquisition, also dealt with injuries last season, missing eight games due to hamstring and labrum issues.

Despite these concerns, Broncos head coach Sean Payton remains optimistic. He highlights the competence of the team's medical staff, crediting them for instilling confidence in the signings. General manager George Paton affirmed that all three players passed their physical examinations and are expected to participate fully in the upcoming offseason program starting April 21. If they can stay healthy, the Broncos could effectively capitalize on their potential, but it will require vigilant management of their workloads to mitigate any risks.

Patrick Surtain II, the Denver Broncos' cornerback, aims to elevate his performance after winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. He aspires for a Super Bowl victory as his next significant milestone. The Broncos have bolstered their defense in the offseason, signing standout defenders Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw from the San Francisco 49ers, both of whom bring considerable talent despite recent injuries.

Hufanga, a Pro Bowler and All-Pro from 2022, is expected to anchor the Broncos' secondary, with Surtain recognizing his potential impact on the defense. Greenlaw, returning from an Achilles injury, is noted for his leadership and tenacity, which Surtain believes will enhance their already intense defensive unit as they strive to compete in a challenging division.