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The San Francisco 49ers’ defense is in a critical transition phase. After a 2025 campaign defined by heavy investment in young, interior talent, the front office is handing the keys of the defense over to Raheem Morris. The incoming defensive coordinator replaces the departing Robert Saleh, leaving behind a young defensive core that flashed immense potential amid the expected growing pains.
Last season, the 49ers leaned heavily on early contributions from their 2025 draft class. Rookie edge defender Mykel Williams and defensive tackle Alfred Collins immediately earned starting responsibilities. Third-round cornerback Upton Stout locked down the nickel role, while Day 3 selections like tackle CJ West and safety Marques Sigle carved out consistent rotational snaps.
Each prospect's developmental arc progressed uniquely. Williams showed rapid, elite growth as a run defender and pass rusher through 11 games before a devastating torn ACL prematurely ended his season. Meanwhile, Collins and West anchored the interior run defense, helping the unit find its footing over the final stretch of the year.
This past weekend, Saleh caught up with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco at the American Century Championship golf tournament in South Lake Tahoe. Reflecting on his final season overseeing the 49ers' rookies, Saleh identified Collins as the single biggest development surprise.
“It’s a shame Mykel’s season got cut short," Saleh told Maiocco. "Really excited for C.J. West and his development, even Alfred. Like Alfred, I know he was a second-round pick and all, but he’s still probably the biggest surprise to me in terms of just how much better he got from training camp.
As the season went on, I really think he’s going to be special. His mindset to get better, his work ethic, he’s only going to get better. And when it triggers for him, he’s going to be a bear to stop.”
While Collins showed high-end physical traits, including a game-changing forced fumble against Rams running back Kyren Williams, the analytical data reveals there is still a massive mountain to climb. Both Collins and West graded out at a modest 35.0 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus during their rookie campaigns, leaving plenty of room for improvement.
Collins is slated to start on the interior alongside free-agent acquisition Osa Odighizuwa, while West projects to keep his vital rotational role. With Odighizuwa pushing the pocket and a healthy Nick Bosa returning to the edge, Morris' system has the infrastructure to vastly improve a pass rush that ranked dead last in total sacks last season.
But for the 49ers to truly threaten the NFC West's elite, the raw potential must translate into consistent production. If Collins, Williams, and West can take a major sophomore leap under Morris' guidance, San Francisco's defensive front could be at the top.
Continue reading...
Last season, the 49ers leaned heavily on early contributions from their 2025 draft class. Rookie edge defender Mykel Williams and defensive tackle Alfred Collins immediately earned starting responsibilities. Third-round cornerback Upton Stout locked down the nickel role, while Day 3 selections like tackle CJ West and safety Marques Sigle carved out consistent rotational snaps.
Each prospect's developmental arc progressed uniquely. Williams showed rapid, elite growth as a run defender and pass rusher through 11 games before a devastating torn ACL prematurely ended his season. Meanwhile, Collins and West anchored the interior run defense, helping the unit find its footing over the final stretch of the year.
The Coordinator’s Perspective: A Surprising Ascent
This past weekend, Saleh caught up with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco at the American Century Championship golf tournament in South Lake Tahoe. Reflecting on his final season overseeing the 49ers' rookies, Saleh identified Collins as the single biggest development surprise.
“It’s a shame Mykel’s season got cut short," Saleh told Maiocco. "Really excited for C.J. West and his development, even Alfred. Like Alfred, I know he was a second-round pick and all, but he’s still probably the biggest surprise to me in terms of just how much better he got from training camp.
As the season went on, I really think he’s going to be special. His mindset to get better, his work ethic, he’s only going to get better. And when it triggers for him, he’s going to be a bear to stop.”
Constructing the Year 2 Leap
While Collins showed high-end physical traits, including a game-changing forced fumble against Rams running back Kyren Williams, the analytical data reveals there is still a massive mountain to climb. Both Collins and West graded out at a modest 35.0 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus during their rookie campaigns, leaving plenty of room for improvement.
Collins is slated to start on the interior alongside free-agent acquisition Osa Odighizuwa, while West projects to keep his vital rotational role. With Odighizuwa pushing the pocket and a healthy Nick Bosa returning to the edge, Morris' system has the infrastructure to vastly improve a pass rush that ranked dead last in total sacks last season.
But for the 49ers to truly threaten the NFC West's elite, the raw potential must translate into consistent production. If Collins, Williams, and West can take a major sophomore leap under Morris' guidance, San Francisco's defensive front could be at the top.
Continue reading...
