Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus (PFF) identified the biggest concern for every NFL team and likely didn't have to think too hard when determining San Francisco's.
The 49ers' defensive line lost star pass rusher Nick Bosa to an ACL injury in Week 3 last season, and the unit never recovered, finishing with a league-low 20 sacks. It didn't help that the defense also lost first-round draft pick Mykel Williams, who was expected to help bolster the group, to an ACL injury.
San Francisco also used draft picks on defensive tackles Alfred Collins and C.J. West. While both players flashed potential, they tied for the team's lowest overall PFF grade at 35.0.
McGuinness believes the group of young defensive linemen still has plenty to prove before they can show that they were worth the draft capital the 49ers spent to acquire them. He identified "misses on the defensive line" as San Francisco's biggest concern, suggesting he believes some of the team's recent draft picks may struggle to live up to expectations.
"The 49ers need much more from their first- and second-round picks on the defensive line this season," McGuinness wrote. "Last season, Mykel Williams played just 385 snaps before suffering a season-ending injury, earning a 54.7 PFF grade and generating only 19 pressures on 245 pass-rushing snaps. Alfred Collins stayed healthy and logged 550 snaps, but his 35.0 PFF grade was tied for the second-lowest among the 94 interior defenders who played at least 300 snaps."
Bosa is returning from injury, while the 49ers also traded for defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who has been a force during training camp. That includes a strong showing against the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive line during Tuesday's joint practice. San Francisco also invested a third-round draft pick in defensive end Romello Height.
Those additions, combined with potential second-year leaps from the team's young defensive linemen, could be enough to help San Francisco improve in the trenches.
Williams is not expected to be ready for Week 1 because he suffered his ACL injury later than Bosa. However, the 49ers remain pleased with the progress of his recovery.
"San Francisco still has plenty of talent on defense, but not enough to absorb misses on premium draft picks along the defensive line," McGuinness added. "Both Williams and Collins will be expected to take significant steps forward in 2026."
The 49ers have invested heavily in rebuilding their defensive line, and 2026 could be a pivotal season for several of those young players. If Williams, Collins, West, and the team's other young defensive linemen can take significant steps forward, San Francisco's biggest concern could quickly become one of its strengths.
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