NFL Draft is one of the most important in recent years for the San Francisco 49ers. Coming off a disappointing 6-11 season, the Niners hold the 11th overall pick, their highest selection since 2011, and are under pressure to nail a draft in which they are set to hold 10 selections and build on a 2024 class that impressed amid the team's overall struggles.

As I wrote recently, the Niners can look to the example of the NFC's Super Bowl representative, the Philadelphia Eagles, as a shining example of a team rebounding quickly from a disappointing season.

The first Senior Bowl practice is in the books, with NFL hopefuls taking the field Tuesday in Mobile, Alabama, to showcase their skills before a watchful contingent of NFL decision-makers.

Saleh, who was fired in October as the New York Jets head coach five games into his fourth season, generated interest on the head-coaching front and was seen as one of the frontrunners for the Jacksonville Jaguars job. He also interviewed with the Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys.

The 49ers and Jets both enjoyed top-five defenses under Saleh. There’s little reason to expect Saleh to stray away from what’s made his defenses elite. There also may not be m