Rookie 49ers player highlights 'aggressive' trait as key strength
Down to the Wire: Rebuilding the San Francisco 49ers' Defense
After a colossal exodus of talent this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers were left scrambling to fill gaps across their roster. With key players departing in free agency, the team's draft strategy for the 2025 NFL season was uncertain.
Despite Kyle Shanahan's offensive background, the team took a defensive-focused approach with their first five picks, kicking things off with former Georgia edge rusher Mykel Williams at the 11th overall slot. However, it's the fourth-round pick, CJ West, that's stolen the show, earning praise as the "perfect move."
San Francisco snagged West with the 113th overall pick, and it seems like the DT out of Indiana could be a fantastic fit in Robert Saleh's defense. "I've got a quick first step, but it's my aggression that I take the most pride in," West said, as reported by Vic Tafur of The Athletic. "I like to rough up offensive linemen."
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The 49ers had committed to rebuilding their defensive line after losing a substantial number of players. The team's draft strategy reflected this focus, with a mix of immediate need-based selections and talent for the future.
West wasn't the only defensive tackle the 49ers selected in the first four rounds. They also drafted Alfred Collins from Texas with the 43rd overall pick. Collins is considered the better prospect at 6'6" and 332 pounds.
West may be a bit undersized for the position at 6'1", but he's expected to clog running lanes and disrupt plays with his sturdy 316-pound frame. His unique skill set and technique could help him solidify the interior of the 49ers' defensive line for years to come.
The 49ers were over the moon in 2022, when they picked quarterback Brock Purdy in the seventh round of the draft. Somehow, Purdy delivered Pro Bowl-level play while earning less than the long snapper for his first three years in the league.
However, the allure of Purdy's remarkably beneficial contract situation started to fade this offseason as the team, once boasting one of the league's strongest rosters, lost several key contributors. While the 49ers earned the worst free agency grade in the NFL, according to PFF, they bounced back strongly with their draft picks.
Although it's impossible to replace the talent that left the bay this offseason, the 49ers did an admirable job of rebuilding their defensive line. With Williams and Nick Bosa on the edges and West and Collins fortifying the middle, the 49ers' defense could recover quicker than many anticipated.
"49ers' Defense Destined for Resurgence in 2025: In an attempt to revitalize their defensive line, the San Francisco 49ers prioritized defensive talent in the 2025 NFL Draft, focusing on immediate needs and future prospects.
Rumors Swirl about the NFL Draft: As the NFL Draft approached, whispers circulated about the 49ers' deliberate strategy, their aim to rebuild the defense evident in their draft picks.
The Draft's Unexpected Star: CJ West, the DT picked at 113th overall, stole the show with his "perfect move," potentially blooming into a standout player for Robert Saleh's defense."
