Mykel Williams, Upton Stout, C.J. West and Marques Sigle headline SF Day 3, with Williams possible Week 1 snaps, Stout slated for nickel, West flashing as a pass-rusher before injury, and Sigle carving into the safety rotation. Ji’Ayir Brown and Jason Pinnock anchor the group as rookies learn the pro game’s tempo, per coach Robert Saleh’s praise of quick study and strong communication. Week 1 opportunities loom as SF leans on depth pieces in a fast, rotational defense.

With 11 picks, SF is banking on Day 3 talent to mix into rotational roles. The mix of rookies and veteran safeties creates a competitive safety room where learning speed matters as much as technique. Fantasy managers should monitor practice reps and depth-chart shifts, since even limited snaps from rookies can yield surprise value in early-season matchups.

West hyperextended his knee in a one-on-one drill, with Shanahan upbeat about the prognosis and a hope that history won’t repeat itself after Mykel Williams’ knee issue last week. West is expected to miss the upcoming Raiders game, but the bigger fantasy note is how two rookies in the 49ers’ revamped defensive line could miss significant camp reps. If both sit longer than a week, expect graver early-season rotations and more workload for veterans or other youngsters. The Broncos’ joint practice and the Raiders preseason clash amplify the stakes: every rep matters for West, Williams, and the young D-line. For fantasy managers, monitoring practice updates and snap counts in the next week will be essential, as any extended absence could shift defensive line roles and IDP targets in Week 1.

In this context, the 49ers’ depth on the interior is under the spotlight. West has shown flashes in camp, and Williams was drawing praise before the injury flared. The team’s aim is to avoid rushing them back and risk a longer-term setback, but the longer they’re out, the more opportunities open for other linemen to seize early-season roles. The takeaway: track the timeline closely, as even short-term absences could tilt early-season usage and fantasy upside for SF defenders and occasional fantasy streaming options in the 49ers’ defensive front.

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.