According to Justin Melo of The Draft Network, the San Francisco 49ers were among the many teams that met with Indiana defensive lineman CJ West at the East-West Shrine Bowl last month. West estimates he spoke with representatives from nearly 30 NFL teams, including the 49ers.
"All of my meetings went very well," West told Melo. "I enjoyed talking to the scouts, getting to know each other. We had a bunch of great conversations. They all went very well, in my opinion. I also met with the 49ers, Buccaneers, and Panthers. I think I met with roughly 30 teams. Almost all of them."
.@IndianaFootball DT CJ West is among my favorite 2025 NFL Draft prospects. @CJWest50 was downright dominant at @ShrineBowl.
Met w/ 30 teams, garnered interest from #Lions, #Packers, #Bears, #49ers, #Buccaneers, #Panthers.@TheDraftNetwork Interview:https://t.co/HPqHHDLFyp
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) February 17, 2025
West transferred from Kent State last year, playing one season with Indiana. Over the past two seasons, he has recorded 40 tackles in each campaign, along with two sacks, eight tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a pass defensed in 2024.
West (6-2, 317) earned a career-high 88.1 run-defense grade last season from Pro Football Focus, recording an overall defensive grade of 83.6.
"I take a lot of pride in defending the run," West said. "I feel like if a team is successfully running the ball on us, I take responsibility for that. I put the blame solely on myself. It's a pride thing for me. It has to be about pride when it comes to stopping the run."
West has posted an overall grade of 80.1 or higher in each of the past three seasons, playing primarily on the interior of the defensive front.
When asked what type of player an NFL team would want in him, West emphasized his energy, work ethic, and positive attitude.
"You're getting a high-energy guy," West responded. "I just love the game and supporting my teammates. I'm going to enter the facility with a big smile on my face every single day. That's the type of guy you're getting.
"I'm going to work hard by putting my nose down and being coachable. I'm bringing energy every single day. I practice and play hard. That's who CJ West is going to be at the next level."