San Francisco 49ers faithful, if you're eagerly anticipating a high-powered, athletic draft class in 2025, you might want to brace yourselves. A recent analysis by Pro Football and Sports Network paints a concerning picture: the 49ers currently rank a disappointing 23rd in Relative Athleticism Score (RAS) for their projected 2025 draft class.

What is RAS and Why Does it Matter?

For those unfamiliar, RAS is a metric developed by NFL Draft Scout that measures a player’s athletic abilities relative to their position. It combines various combine measurements like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, and others, assigning a score based on how a player stacks up against historical data for their position. A higher RAS generally indicates a greater potential for athleticism and explosiveness on the field. While RAS isn't the be-all and end-all of player evaluation – scheme fit, football IQ, and character are equally important – it provides a valuable data point when assessing a player's physical tools.

The 49ers' Ranking: A Cause for Concern?

Landing at 23rd isn’t catastrophic, but it’s certainly not ideal. It suggests the 49ers' current pipeline of potential draft picks lacks the elite athleticism often associated with high-impact players. This isn’t to say the team won’t draft talented players; it simply highlights a potential area for improvement. The 49ers have consistently built a winning culture through smart coaching, strategic acquisitions, and a focus on football intelligence. However, in today's NFL, where athleticism is increasingly valued, a RAS deficiency could present a challenge.

Analyzing the Factors: Why the Low Ranking?

Several factors could contribute to this ranking. The 49ers' scouting focus might prioritize other qualities over pure athleticism. They might be targeting players who excel in specific skill sets that don't necessarily translate to high combine numbers. Furthermore, the draft pool itself could be a factor. Perhaps the available talent in the 2025 draft class, at least in terms of athleticism, is generally lower than in previous years.

Can the 49ers Compensate?

The good news is that the 49ers have a proven track record of developing players and maximizing their potential. They can compensate for a lack of elite athleticism by focusing on:

• Scheme Fit: Identifying players who excel in Kyle Shanahan's offensive system, regardless of their RAS.
• Technique and Fundamentals: Prioritizing players with strong fundamentals and a willingness to learn.
• Football IQ: Seeking out players who demonstrate exceptional understanding of the game.
• Character and Work Ethic: Targeting players with strong character and a relentless work ethic.

Looking Ahead: What Needs to Change?

While the 49ers can certainly overcome this RAS deficit, it’s a factor they need to address moving forward. They may need to broaden their scouting horizons, explore less conventional talent pools, and potentially place a slightly higher premium on athleticism in their evaluations. Ultimately, the key will be to find players who can contribute to the team's success, even if they don't possess elite athleticism. The 2025 draft will be a crucial test of their ability to do just that.