The San Francisco 49ers' defense struggled against the run in 2024, allowing 124.6 rushing yards per game under defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen, ranking 18th in the NFL. Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave the unit a disappointing 54.6 run-defense grade, with only four teams—the Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, and Carolina Panthers—receiving lower marks.
San Francisco also surrendered 24 rushing touchdowns, second-most in the league behind only the Cowboys (25). Their inability to stop the run, along with several injuries, played a key role in the team finishing 6-11 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
In response, head coach Kyle Shanahan made a significant change this offseason, bringing back Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator for a second stint with the team. The 49ers then used their first five draft picks to overhaul the defense, including selecting three defensive linemen.
PFF's Dalton Wasserman, identifying one takeaway for all 32 NFL teams after the draft, highlighted San Francisco's clear focus.
"The 49ers entered the 2025 draft with a clear mission: fix a run defense that ranked 28th in PFF grade last season," Wasserman wrote. "And they didn't just address the issue — they went all in.
"Of the six defensive players San Francisco selected, five earned run-defense grades of at least 80.0 in 2024, signaling a deliberate and aggressive approach to shoring up one of the roster's biggest weaknesses.
"That group includes defensive linemen Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West, all of whom bring immediate upside as stout, physical run defenders. With their arrival, the 49ers are betting that a tougher, more disciplined front can help restore the defense to its former dominance."
All three rookies earned run-defense grades of 82.9 or higher from PFF last season, led by West's impressive 88.1 mark. In contrast, Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and Leonard Floyd—who are no longer with the team—never exceeded a 54.4 run-defensive grade during their time with the 49ers.
Now, with a revamped defensive front and renewed commitment to physicality, San Francisco hopes its rookie trio will anchor a long-term solution in the trenches.