49ers rookies West, Collins ready to become ‘heartbeat’ of D-line

SANTA CLARA — Alfred Collins and C.J. West are ready to start their 49ers journey together.The two defensive linemen might have completely different physical makeups, but they share a common goal that could keep them lined up on the field next to each other for several years to come.West is a stout 6-foot-1, weighing 316 pounds, but is effective at clogging up the center of the field for opposing running backs. The defensive tackle might have only registered nine tackles over his five college seasons, but he also racked up 27 tackles for a loss."I'm sure the coaching staff is going to get us right," West said during rookie minicamp. "They are going to do everything they possibly can so we can work together as a group, as a unit, one heartbeat. We are going to go through that at training camp, through all of our practices. Build the best bond we can, so we can trust each other when the time comes."At 6-foot-6, Collins stands five full inches taller than West and weighs about 20 pounds more. Still, the Texas Longhorn understands how the two could end up in very similar roles in helping the defense overcome the inefficiencies of 2024 — San Francisco's inability to stop the...