Defensive Tackle Room Post Draft

Karma · 2026-05-04T07:35:13-07:00

This group might have me the most excited for the future of this team. That's not to say that they will return to dominance this year, but at least they are headed in the right direction. Most notably, not a single player in this unit has been with the team for more than 2 years. Here are the players and what to expect: Returning Players: Alfred Collins C.J. West Evan Anderson Sebastian Valdez Commentary: The team made a conscious effort to trim the dead weight here and what we are left with is potential. Collins had some big moments during his rookie year while West continued to improve as the season went on. The team is banking on them taking a big step forward in their second year. Both of them are wide bodied NTs who will take on blockers, eat up space, and possibly offer a little in the pass rush game as they develop. Collins' length and size have some people comparing him to Chris Jones. West is shorter, but he anchors as well as anyone. Evan Anderson, believe it or not, is the longest tenured Niner in this year with 2 years of experience. He has the size to be effective, but spent most of last season on the IR or PS. He'll need to take a huge leap forward to crack the 53 this year. Valdez was nicknamed "The Hulk" because of his incredible strength and he became a fan favorite last offseason as a UDFA. He spent the season on the PS, but if he can show some of the pass rushing abilities he flashed in the preseason last year, he has a chance to crack the rotation. New Acquisitions and Rookies: Osa Odighizuwa Gracen Halton James Thompson Bryson Eason Commentary: Osa is the big acquisition, costing the team a 3rd rounder, but he offers something the team hasn't had in the last few years: pass rush from the middle. He is young, comes with at least three years of control, and should be a great piece to build on. He is the first defensive player added since Morris took over as DC, so we have to assume he at least signed off on it and has big plans for him. Halton, the team's first pick in the 4th round, is known as a penetrating 3T with high upside as a pass rusher. Although he is considered undersized, he still gets high marks as a run stopper. Thompson has great size, but has only flashed potential in college. Eason has excited some in the fanbase because of his size and versatility. He has the potential to be a run stuffing NT, but his explosiveness has some thinking he can offer more as a pass rusher than the other NTs. Analysis: The team figures to carry 4-5 IDL on the 53 man roster. Osa, Halton, Collins, and West are the locks in this group. The best argument for keeping a 5th guy here is the inexperience of the guys on this list. Only Osa has played more than a season in the league, so Shanahan and Morris might want to have plenty of options. If they do keep a 5th, it is anyone's race. Anderson has the experience, but his ceiling is low. Valdez has the strength and a year in the system; I wouldn't bet against him. Eason and Thompson will come in with chips on their shoulders, so hopefully they add to the competition. Ultimately, this should be a fun group to watch compete!

May 4, 2026 at 7:38 AM

mcwoot
Veteran
Posts: 1,959

I doubt they keep a 5th in favor of another DE, especially with Williams rotaing inside on passing downs. They will keep one of those guys on the practice squad.

May 4, 2026 at 8:58 AM

Karma
Veteran
Posts: 1,190

Originally posted by mcwoot:
I doubt they keep a 5th in favor of another DE, especially with Williams rotaing inside on passing downs. They will keep one of those guys on the practice squad.

I agree, Especially if Keion White makes the team since he can also rush from inside as well. The only caveat will be Mykel Williams health. He and Bosa may have to start the year on the IR if they aren't fully recovered.

May 6, 2026 at 11:23 PM

maxsmart
Veteran
Posts: 2,801

Originally posted by mcwoot:
I doubt they keep a 5th in favor of another DE, especially with Williams rotaing inside on passing downs. They will keep one of those guys on the practice squad.

They will keep 4 on the 53 roster and at least 2 on the PS

[ Edited by maxsmart on May 6, 2026 at 11:24 PM ]

May 7, 2026 at 4:15 AM

ritz126
Veteran
Posts: 5,166

We have 2 solid run defending DT and 2 pass rushing DT so we have solid starters and depth for each type of DT. On passing downs Collins and West would likely sub out for Williams or white

Really solid group i am extremely happy with how we completely remade our DL in 2 years

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