The San Francisco 49ers' defensive front struggled with consistency last season, unable to consistently stop the run or pressure opposing quarterbacks. That came despite the team's top decision-makers emphasizing the drafting of stout run defenders and investing in pass-rush help.

Of course, injuries played a role in last season's struggles. The defensive line lost star pass rusher Nick Bosa and the team's top draft pick, Mykel Williams. The result was an NFL-low 20 sacks.


That investment in the defensive front continued this offseason. The 49ers traded for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa and used draft picks on defensive end Romello Height and defensive tackle Gracen Halton, hoping to improve the trenches. They'll join defensive tackles Alfred Collins and C.J. West, whom the 49ers hope can make a second-year leap.

Offensive tackle Trent Williams certainly knows what it takes to be a good defensive lineman. He has faced many of the best in the NFL throughout his lengthy, Hall of Fame-worthy career.

Williams is excited to see what San Francisco's defensive front can do in 2026. He was asked which young players stood out to him during Thursday night's preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans.

He didn't hesitate to respond.

"Boomer Sooner. Gracen Halton, you know it," Williams answered, with "Boomer Sooner" referring to Oklahoma football's rallying cry.


"Obviously, Oklahoma guy, so I'm always a little biased," Williams admitted. "But I think the world kind of seen what he has to offer—very explosive, short-area quickness, really powerful. Push you in the mind of D.J. Jones a little bit, from what he had when he was here. He definitely impressed. I mean, [DT Valdez, Sebastian] had a day."

Williams went on to make a bold statement, sharing that the defensive line might be one of San Francisco's deepest positions heading into the 2026 season.

"I just think that D-line room, going from where we were last year, where we was pretty anemic, and playing guys that literally came off the practice squad, to now what's kind of one of the deepest rooms on the team, and got a lot of competition," Williams said. "So really excited to see it."

Halton plays with a lot of passion—evident from his on-field enthusiasm against the Titans. Williams is enjoying every moment of it.

"I love it. He loves football," Williams said. "Anytime you get a player in the locker room that loves football, it makes the whole mood lighter, and you appreciate people like that. Especially me, going into year 17, 38 years old. That enthusiasm don't really come natural no more. You got to wake up, and I got to get my engine going.


"So just to see the young guys coming in full of life, super excited just to play ball, I love it. It gives me a breath of fresh air."

Williams didn't end his praise with the defensive line. He believes all of the rookies have a chance to make an impact—if not this season, then in the future.

"It was definitely a great draft, great signings, undrafted free agents, great signings," Williams said. "So this rookie class definitely has the makings to be a special group, and a group that'll probably contribute to this football team for a long time."

Related News




Follow us on: X, Facebook, Threads, Instagram

Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.

Read Original Article
Visit 49ers Webzone

More San Francisco 49ers News