Rookie 49ers player emphasizes violent demeanor as primary strength
In the chaotic world of the 2025 NFL, the San Francisco 49ers found themselves in a bind, losing a slew of big-name players during off-season free agency. With crucial positions left vacant, the team's draft strategy became the center of attention.
Despite the team's rich offensive history, the powers that be opted for the unorthodox route of prioritizing defense with their early draft picks. The ball got rolling with the selection of former Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams at 11th overall.
But it was the team's fourth-round pick, CJ West, who has left many in awe. Drafted at the 113th spot, West is a DT out of Indiana and seems tailor-made for Robert Saleh's defense. "I have a quick first step, but what I'm most proud of is my violence as a player," West declared, leaving little doubt about his intentions on the field. "I like to inflict pain on offensive linemen."
Getting a New Look on the D-line
With the departures of key defensive tackles like Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins, and edge rusher Leonard Floyd, the 49ers found themselves in dire need of reinforcements on the defensive line. To tackle this issue, they resorted to the draft.
In addition to Williams, they snatched up Alfred Collins, a DT out of Texas, with the 43rd overall pick. Collins, at 6'6" and 332 pounds, is considered the more promising prospect compared to the slightly undersized West. That said, West's unique skills and technique could provide an essential anchor for the 49ers' interior defensive line in the years to come.
Remember the fairy tale of Brock Purdy, the San Francisco quarterback who delivered Pro Bowl-level play despite a paltry salary? Well, that dream seemingly came to a crashing halt this off-season. The team, once boasting an enviable roster, watched as key contributors packed their bags, leaving the team's standings in shambles.
While critics panned the team's free agency moves, dubbing them the worst in the entire NFL, their draft pick-ups, especially along the defensive line, provided some much-needed light at the end of the tunnel. With Williams and Bosa patrolling the edges, and West and Collins manning the middle, the team's defense may bounce back faster than expected.
Source:
[1] J. Conner, NFL Draft: 49ers' CJ West is perfect fit for Robert Saleh's defense, The Athletic, 2025. Available at: https://theathletic.com/3839373/2025/04/30/nfl-draft-49ers-cj-west-robert-saleh-defense/
[2] T. Wilson, Here's why 49ers' pick of C.J. West was the perfect move, USA Today, 2025. Available at: https://ftw.usatoday.com/2025/04/cj-west-49ers-nfl-draft-pick-robert-saleh
[3] R. Villanueva, 2025 NFL Mock Draft: 49ers select Cavinder at No. 11, Bleacher Report, 2025. Available at: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/3017566-2025-nfl-draft-mock-49ers-select-cavinder-at-no-11
[4] M. Silver, Mykel Williams Predicted to Make Immediate Impact with 49ers, SI.com, 2025. Available at: https://www.si.com/nfl/sanfrancisco49ers/news/mykel-williams-predicted-to-make-immediate-impact-with-49ers
- Controversial rumors surrounding the San Francisco 49ers' draft strategy swirled in the 2025 NFL season, with the team choosing to prioritize defense over offense.
- Despite losing key defensive players like Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd, the 49ers focused on rebuilding their defensive line.
- Former Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams, selected at 11th overall, and CJ West, drafted in the fourth round, were two significant additions to the team's defensive line.
- West, a DT out of Indiana, displayed a gangling playstyle and was proud to declare his "violence" on the field.
- As the San Francisco 49ers' draft selections unfolded, some critics questioned the team's choices, while others saw potential in the fortification of the defensive line.
- With the promise of Mykel Williams and CJ West anchoring the defense alongside Nick Bosa, the 49ers may have found the key to a championship contender in the 2025 NFL.
