West, part of a major interior line overhaul, impressed Trapasso with his athleticism. At 6-foot-1 and 315 pounds, he clocked a 4.95-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine—a strong showing for a player of his size.
"West was as advanced of a run-stuffer as there was at defensive tackle in the 2025 class," Trapasso wrote. "He's ready to go in that area of the game, and based on the 49ers' other selections, improving the run defense was the club's core philosophy in the 2025 draft."
The 49ers selected three defensive linemen in this year's draft, all of whom earned Pro Football Focus run-defense grades of 82.9 or higher in 2024. West led the group with a dominant 88.1 grade. That emphasis on bolstering the interior comes after a disappointing 2024 season in which the 49ers posted a run-defense grade of just 54.6, ranking 28th in the NFL.
West has been receiving significant practice reps during the 49ers' organized team activities, with second-round pick Alfred Collins remaining sidelined as he recovers from a calf injury that was reaggravated before the draft.
"The former Indiana star is an ascending pass-rusher, too, because along with the heavy hands he deploys to toss blockers ahead to halt the run, he has twitch when attacking upfield," Trapasso added.
He notes the 49ers have lacked a true three-down interior lineman capable of consistently disrupting the pocket.
"The 49ers don't have a primary interior rusher who can stay on the field for three downs and routinely win," Trapasso wrote. "Well, they didn't. They do now with West, whom they stole in the fourth round."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Donte Whitner believes 49ers' signing of Ashtyn Davis is a threat to Ji'Ayir Brown's starting role
When the San Francisco 49ers signed veteran safety Ashtyn Davis last week, the move didn't create the same buzz as some of the team's bigger offseason additions. But one former 49ers defensive player believes the signing could have a much bigger impact than many expect,... -
49ers rookie Kaelon Black earns strong endorsement from Greg Cosell
There was no shortage of criticism when the San Francisco 49ers used the 90th overall pick of the NFL Draft on running back Kaelon Black. Many analysts and fans viewed the selection as a reach, believing Black was taken much earlier than he should have been. One respected... -
49ers Hall of Fame adds dynasty legend Keena Turner as 34th inductee
The San Francisco 49ers and the York family announced that linebacker Keena Turner will become the 34th inductee into the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame. Turner's induction ceremony will take place in San Francisco's Week 6 matchup against the... -
49ers All-Pro George Kittle: Mike Evans was 'cooking everybody' during OTAs
Mike Evans is expected to elevate the San Francisco 49ers offense in 2026, giving quarterback Brock Purdy a big-bodied red-zone weapon—arguably the best of his NFL career. While Evans has not typically participated in organized team activities (OTAs), which are voluntary...