The 49ers NFL Combine strategy often involves unearthing hidden gems, and this year’s event in Indianapolis is no different.
While the “Underwear Olympics” rarely change the stock of elite blue-chip prospects, they serve as a vital proving ground for small-school standouts looking to bridge the gap between lower-tier conferences and the bright lights of Levi’s Stadium.
With three compensatory picks at his disposal, General Manager John Lynch has the draft capital to take calculated risks.
For a roster needing defensive line depth and fresh weapons for Kyle Shanahan’s offense, these four prospects could be the “diamonds in the rough” San Francisco needs.
Versatile Playmakers for the Shanahan System
San Francisco’s offense thrives on “positionless” football. Two wideouts from outside the Power 5 conferences have the physical profiles to fit the mold.
Ted Hurst (Georgia State): Standing 6-foot-3, Hurst is being labeled the “quintessential Shanahan receiver.” His elite fluidity and ability to rack up yards after the catch (YAC) make him a tantalizing mid-round option.
2024 Stats: 71 receptions, 1,004 yards.
The Catch: He struggled against elite SEC speed (1 catch vs. Ole Miss), making his 40-yard dash time at the Combine a make-or-break metric.
Bryce Lance (North Dakota State): Yes, he is the younger brother of Trey Lance, but the 49ers front office must evaluate him on his own merit. At 210 pounds, he possesses the frame the 49ers crave on the perimeter.
Career Highlights: 25 total touchdowns over the last two seasons and over 2,100 receiving yards.
Bolstering the Defensive Trenches
Addressing the pass rush is a perennial priority for the 49ers. While the edge is a focus, interior disruption is equally valuable.
Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana) Proctor is a disruptive “three-technique” specialist who recently earned SLC Defensive Player of the Year honors. He isn’t just a space-eater; he is a backfield penetrator.
Production Jump: 4.5 sacks in 2024 to 9.0 sacks in 2025.
Key Traits: Explosive initial burst and violent hand usage.
Combine Goal: Prove his 280-pound frame has the functional strength to hold up against NFL-caliber guards.
The Ultimate Offensive Chess Piece
If there is one player who screams “49ers fit,” it is Navy’s hybrid threat.
Eli Heidenreich (Navy) Heidenreich is a stylistic blend of Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey. He functioned as a Swiss Army knife for the Midshipmen, proving he can impact the game from the backfield or the slot.
| Category | 2025 Senior Season Stats |
| Rushing Yards | 499 Yards (77 carries) |
| Receiving Yards | 941 Yards (51 catches) |
| Yards Per Catch | 18.5 (Elite explosive threat) |
| Peak Performance | 243 receiving yards & 3 TDs vs. Air Force |
