After a significant overhaul of their defensive line, the San Francisco 49ers are banking on their trio of rookies—Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West—to step up and make an immediate impact in the 2025 NFL season. Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, the Niners are looking to rebuild their defense with a focus on youth and athleticism.

The Rookie Trio: A New Era for the 49ers Defense

The 49ers' decision to release veteran defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins, along with trading end Leonard Floyd, signaled a shift toward a younger, more dynamic defensive line. With three of their first five draft picks spent on defensive linemen, the Niners are placing their trust in Williams (No. 11 overall), Collins (No. 43), and West (No. 113) to fill the void.

Mykel Williams: The Versatile Edge Rusher

Williams, the 11th overall pick from Georgia, has already shown promise in training camp. Saleh has praised his versatility, stating, "He can run around you, he can run through you, he can counter, he's showing all of it off." While Williams is still refining his pass-rushing skills, his ability to disrupt the run game has been evident. Saleh envisions him as a three-way player, capable of lining up both outside and inside depending on the situation.

Alfred Collins: The Run-Stopping Specialist

Collins, a second-round pick from Texas, brings size and strength to the interior of the defensive line. At 6-foot-6 and 332 pounds, Collins is expected to be a key contributor in stopping the run. However, his development has been slightly delayed due to a calf injury that kept him out of organized team activities. Saleh remains optimistic, noting that Collins has "good feet" and is "just a matter of time" before he makes a significant impact.

CJ West: The Hidden Gem

West, a fourth-round pick from Indiana, has been the surprise standout of training camp. Despite his lack of size, West's combination of power and quickness has made him a force to be reckoned with in one-on-one drills. Saleh has been impressed with his progress, stating that West has "done a really nice job" and will "be part of the NFL for a while." With veteran Kevin Givens sidelined due to injury, West has been running with the starters, showcasing his readiness for a larger role.

The Road Ahead

While the rookie trio still has much to learn, their collective work ethic and determination have been evident. Collins emphasized the importance of leaning on each other, saying, "We're constantly asking one another questions and gathering information from the vets." Saleh's goal is to see steady growth from his young linemen, with the hope that their early struggles will lead to long-term success.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the 49ers' defensive line will be one of the most intriguing storylines to watch. With Williams, Collins, and West leading the charge, San Francisco's defense could be on the verge of a resurgence.