FOX Sports analyst Colin Cowherd has made his stance on the San Francisco 49ers crystal clear and it’s not optimistic.
The outspoken host didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts on the team’s offseason moves, particularly their 2025 NFL Draft, and predicted a grim outcome for the franchise this year.
Cowherd Rips 49ers Over 2025 Draft Decisions
Cowherd has voiced concerns about the San Francisco 49ers’ current trajectory, pointing to their 2025 NFL Draft decisions as a troubling indicator. He believes the team made several questionable picks that prioritize short-term needs over long-term development.
In Cowherd’s view, head coach Kyle Shanahan appears focused on immediate results, potentially at the expense of the franchise’s future stability. This approach, he suggests, may reflect deeper strategic issues that could undermine the 49ers’ ability to stay competitive in the years to come.
While he isn’t forecasting complete disaster, Cowherd did not hesitate to call out their lack of long-term planning. “I didn’t like the Niners draft at all. I’m not saying they’re a five-win team, but I think Arizona can win 10 to 11 games,” he added.
In fact, Cowherd is so doubtful of San Francisco’s direction that he projects them to once again finish at the bottom of the NFC West just as they did in their six-win 2024 season.
Colin Cowherd predicts the 49ers to finish in last place in the NFC West:
“I do not like what I see with the Niners. I did not like their draft at all. I think when you look at the Niners draft, I see Kyle Shanahan taking some reaches here to help him and not the future. He… pic.twitter.com/EIXdlH5a8A
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) May 7, 2025
While Cowherd was critical of San Francisco, he had praise for the rest of the division. He picked the Los Angeles Rams to win the NFC West again and highlighted the Seattle Seahawks’ draft class as the best in the league.
“I thought Seattle had the best draft in the NFL,” Cowherd noted. He also complimented the Arizona Cardinals, saying, “Arizona’s defense is going to be a handful. Their offense is fine also. Marvin Harrison and Kyler Murray now go to a second year together. That matters.”
Cowherd’s NFC playoff predictions reflect his skepticism: he has the Eagles, Lions, Buccaneers, Rams, Commanders, Bears, and Seahawks all making the postseason—leaving the 49ers on the outside looking in.
With sharp criticism and bold forecasts, Cowherd has thrown down the gauntlet. Whether the 49ers rise to the challenge or validate his doubts remains to be seen.