NFL Media draft analyst Chad Reuter recently highlighted 16 Day 3 draft picks who could compete for starting snaps as rookies. For the San Francisco 49ers, that player is fourth-round selection CJ West, a defensive tackle out of Indiana.
"The 49ers spent two picks in the first two rounds (Mykel Williams in the first and Alfred Collins the second) to bolster their thin D-line, and they continued the trend with West in Round 4," Reuter wrote. "While Collins is a tall people-mover, West is a 6-foot-1, low center-of-gravity nose tackle with quick enough feet and hands to defeat blocks, making him a top-notch run defender."
In tandem with Collins, San Francisco hopes West can help offset the departures of Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins. The 49ers underwent a significant roster overhaul this offseason, aiming to get younger across several positions while trimming future financial commitments. By drafting three defensive linemen, the team adds long-term stability in the trenches while keeping the salary cap in check down the road.
"I think, if we're talking about [West], extremely stout, sturdy, but also has the quickness and strength to play in the other team's backfield," general manager John Lynch said of the rookie. "Makes a lot of splash plays in the other team's backfield. I had the chance to watch him live this year when we went back to Ohio State. Indiana was there and made an impression in that game.
"But more so, his film, his body of work, has really stood out and we just felt like was a really good fit. Another add to the D-Line we're building."
West (6-1, 316) recorded 40 tackles (eight for a loss), two sacks, one pass defensed, and a forced fumble in 13 games last season, per Sports Reference. Over his five collegiate seasons, he recorded 150 tackles (27 for a loss), nine sacks, two passes defensed, and two forced fumbles, transferring from Kent State to Indiana in 2024.
When asked after being drafted whether he projects more as a nose tackle or 3-technique in the NFL, West confidently stated, "I'm multiple. 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."
It remains to be seen how defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and defensive line coach Kris Kocurek will utilize West along the 49ers' revamped front.
According to Lynch, Kocurek saw shades of a familiar face when evaluating West—D.J. Jones, now with the Denver Broncos.
"He actually said that in his report in our draft meetings," Lynch recalled. "I was just looking at my notes again, and Kris said, 'D.J. Jones comp.' And so, I think there are a lot of similarities and that's a good thing for us."