The message from the San Francisco 49ers' war room during the 2025 NFL Draft was loud and clear: the defensive front is paramount.
After a 2024 season that saw uncharacteristic struggles, particularly against the run, the Niners brass, led by General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, made a concerted and aggressive effort to rebuild and rejuvenate their defensive line.
This wasn't just about plugging holes; it was about laying a new foundation for defensive dominance, a vision significantly bolstered by the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. The early draft rounds saw a barrage of picks aimed squarely at the trenches.
First came the University of Georgia's standout defensive end, Mykel Williams, who was selected 11th overall. He is a player lauded for his athleticism and disruptive potential.
But the investment didn't stop there.
In the second round, the 49ers added the formidable presence of University of Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins (No. 43 overall), followed by the powerful Indiana defensive tackle C.J. West in the fourth round (No. 113 overall).
This trio represents a significant infusion of young talent, size, and skill into a defensive line anchored by All-Pro Nick Bosa. While individual accolades and potential are exciting, the true promise lies in their collective ability to transform the Niners' defensive fortunes, particularly under Saleh's guidance.
Addressing a Glaring Need: Fixing the Run Defense
It's no secret that the 49ers' run defense was a concern last season. Opponents found more running room than San Francisco is accustomed to conceding, a factor that undoubtedly contributed to some of the team's defensive inconsistencies.
Shoring up this aspect of the defense was a clear priority for the team during the offseason.
Collins and West's selections, both known for their stoutness and ability to control the line of scrimmage, directly addresses this. Their presence inside is designed to clog running lanes, occupy blockers, and free up linebackers like Fred Warner to make plays.
While a primary edge threat, Williams also brings a well-rounded game capable of setting a strong edge against outside runs.
Saleh's Return: The X-Factor for a Revitalized Front
The return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator is as impactful as any single player acquisition. During his previous tenure (2017-2020), Saleh orchestrated a 49ers defense renowned for its tenacity, aggression, and line dominance. His philosophy emphasizes relentless pressure and disciplined run fits – a perfect match for the newly acquired talent.
Saleh's challenge and opportunity will be to integrate these young players quickly and effectively.
- Scheme Fit: How will Williams, Collins, and West be deployed within Saleh's system? Expect a focus on creating favorable one-on-one matchups for Bosa by ensuring the interior and opposite edge are formidable. Saleh is known for adapting his scheme to his personnel, and the versatility of players like Williams will give him options.
- Collective Mentality: Beyond X's and O's, Saleh is known for instilling a specific mindset in his units – physicality and unwavering effort. This will be crucial in molding the new-look line into a cohesive and intimidating force.
- Rotational Depth: The NFL is a war of attrition. Adding these three draftees provides potential starters and crucial depth, allowing Saleh to keep his linemen fresh and maintain a high level of pressure throughout games. This was an area where the 49ers felt the strain in 2024.
More Than Just Draft Picks: A Philosophical Shift?
The heavy investment in the defensive line signals a potential return to the formula that brought the 49ers to the Super Bowl in the 2019 season – a dominant, game-wrecking defensive front that could take over games.
While individual talents like Mykel Williams and C.J. West are vital, the overarching strategy appears to be creating a unit greater than the sum of its parts.
As 49ers General Manager John Lynch has emphasized, the draft was about returning to a certain style of play.
Some analysts suggest the 49ers favored players like Williams because they fit in a defense that likes "big guys up front" to condense the box, aligning perfectly with Saleh's historical approach.
The Road Ahead: Training Camp and Beyond
The true impact of this revamped defensive line will begin to reveal itself in training camp and preseason.
Positional battles will be fierce, and the development of Williams, Collins, and West will be a central storyline. Fans will be eager to see how quickly they adapt to the NFL game and integrate seamlessly into Saleh's defensive schemes.
While the offense, led by quarterback Brock Purdy, will always garner attention, the 2025 season for the San Francisco 49ers may well be defined by the resurgence of its defense, built upon the new foundation laid in this year's draft.
With Robert Saleh at the helm and a fresh wave of talent ready to make its mark, the 49ers' defensive line is poised to become once again a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.