New San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle CJ West, a fourth-round pick out of Indiana, expects to bring power and violence to the interior of the team's defensive front. West emphasized his versatility when asked whether he sees himself more as a nose tackle or a 3-technique.
"I'm multiple," West told reporters on Saturday, shortly after receiving the call from general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. "I can do it everywhere, but my bread and butter is at the 1-technique. That's where I just abuse centers, punch them in the face, be as violent as possible, just creating havoc down there in the middle."
West met with 49ers coaches during the lead-up to the draft and believes he's a strong mental fit for the team's tough, physical style.
Speaking about his interactions with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, West shared, "They're coaches that really know what they're doing, and they also have passion for the game. You could just see it in the way they talk. When I was on the phone with them, you just see it in the way they talk, the way they coach.
"And that's the type of coach style that I love. That's the type of coach I want to be with, and that's the program and culture that I want to be in as well. So, I'm excited to get to work—cannot wait."
Following the offseason departures of Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins, West is eager to help fill the void.
"I'm ready for that," he said. "I'm ready to take that role. But also, I'm ready just to learn from all the older guys. I'm a sponge when it comes to that. I love picking veterans' brains and just kind of getting the ins and outs of the league, and picking up the playbook and learning everything in and out like the back of my hand.
"So, I'm ready for that, and I'm gonna be prepared when Sundays come."
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