The San Francisco 49ers have made significant moves to revamp their defensive line following the NFL draft, investing three of their first five picks into bolstering this crucial unit. The team parted ways with defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave and defensive end Leonard Floyd, prompting the need for reinforcements. Mykel Williams, selected 11th overall, along with Alfred Collins and CJ West, aims to inject youth and size into the 49ers' defensive front.

Nick Bosa is expected to lead the defensive line, possibly eyeing another Defensive Player of the Year award. The competition at the opposite DE spot appears to favor Williams, who has a strong chance to secure a starting role right away. Meanwhile, the interior defensive tackle position is still up for grabs, where CJ West's elite movement skills could see him excel early on, especially against the run. Jordan Elliott, a seasoned player with 48 starts under his belt, may also find himself in a rotational role.

The San Francisco 49ers' recent draft picks reveal a strategic focus on fortifying their defense, particularly against the run. Mykel Williams, selected in the first round, is heralded as a high-floor edge defender, showcasing impressive traits that make him a safe bet for a successful NFL transition. His run defense grade ranks in the 97th percentile among college edge defenders, making him a standout choice for the 49ers.

In the subsequent rounds, the team added defensive tackles Alfred Collins and CJ West, both known for their strength and versatility. Collins, with an 85.0 PFF run-defense grade, is expected to make an immediate impact, while West offers promising potential as a rotational player. Meanwhile, the backfield faces competition for the secondary running back role following Christian McCaffrey's absence, with Jordan James emerging as a strong candidate due to his impressive PFF rushing grade over the last two seasons.

The San Francisco 49ers made significant strides in the 2025 NFL Draft, acquiring 11 new players to bolster their roster. Among these selections, defensive end Mykel Williams is projected to step into a starting role, significantly enhancing the team’s run defense. Alfred Collins, selected in the second round, is poised to add depth to the defensive line. Linebacker Nick Martin, a third-round pick, has a chance to secure the Will linebacker position, while Upton Stout, drafted as a cornerback in the same round, could play a vital role in the slot. Players like Jordan Watkins and Marques Sigle will compete for positions in a crowded receiving corps and secondary respectively, while running back Jordan James could emerge as a dependable option behind Christian McCaffrey. The 49ers also secured valuable depth with several late-round selections, including quarterback Kurtis Rourke and offensive lineman Connor Colby, setting the stage for an exciting training camp.

The San Francisco 49ers completed their highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft, sticking with their 11 scheduled selections to address a roster in need of talent. Key picks included DE Mykel Williams from Georgia, a robust run-stopper with significant pass-rushing potential, and DT Alfred Collins, known for his size and mobility. The team also bolstered their defensive backfield with LB Nick Martin and CB Upton Stout, both praised for their ability to disrupt plays. WR Jordan Watkins is expected to complement the existing receiver core, while RB Jordan James could challenge the conventional wisdom of early RB picks.

In the later rounds, the 49ers added QB Kurtis Rourke as a potential long-term backup and OL Connor Colby, recognized for his versatility. The closing rounds saw selections like S Marques Sigle, who could thrive on special teams, and WR Junior Bergen, who brings return abilities that could impact the field position. Overall, the draft seemed to align with the team's strategy of building depth and addressing specific positional needs for a competitive edge.

The San Francisco 49ers are in the midst of a roster re-tool following a disappointing 6-11 season that left them at the bottom of the NFC West and out of playoff contention. General Manager John Lynch has prioritized bolstering the defense in recent drafts, successfully selecting key players to fill gaps left by significant departures.

In the first round of the draft, the 49ers picked Mykel Williams, a standout defensive lineman from Georgia, followed by Alfred Collins from Texas in the second round to further solidify their defensive front. Rounding out their third round selections, the team added Nick Martin from Oklahoma State, known for his impressive tackle record, along with Upton Stout from Western Kentucky, a promising cornerback, and CJ West from Indiana. The 49ers have also secured a dynamic wide receiver in Jordan Watkins from Mississippi, aiming to enhance their offensive unit.