The 49ers aren't playing around with their defensive line, and grabbing C.J. West ensures the run defense won't be a liability going forward.
The San Francisco 49ers focused the entirety of their efforts in Rounds 1 through 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft on defense, grabbing a couple of defensive linemen, a linebacker and a nickel cornerback with their first four picks.
One had to wonder when head coach Kyle Shanahan would finally get some offensive help. Even though fixing the defense was the Niners' top priority, Shanahan's offense has some holes to fill, too.
The chance to land a promising running back in Arizona State's Cam Skattebo went flat a few picks earlier than San Francisco's top fourth-round selection, No. 113 overall, when the New York Giants grabbed the bruising rusher at No. 105 overall.
Whether or not the 49ers were honing in on Skattebo is anyone's guess, but the forced pivot coerced the Niners to revert back to the defense.
49ers grab CJ West to kick off Day 3 of 2025 NFL Draft
The Niners didn't just need one interior defensive lineman, although grabbing Alfred Collins in Round 2 will help.
So, the fourth-round pickup of Indiana defensive tackle C.J. West makes a lot of sense.
Coordinator Robert Saleh prefers short and squatty one-technique nose tackles, and the 6-foot-1, 316-pound West fits the bill. Not unlike what Saleh had back during his first tenure in now-Denver Broncos veteran D.J. Jones, West can plug the middle of the line easily as a two-down defender.
West won't offer much in the pass-rush department. But San Francisco's focus for the bulk of this draft has been on stopping the run.
The four-year starter, who started his collegiate career at Kent State, certainly helps out in that department and should be able to make an immediate impact right out of the gate.
If West comes close to emulating what Jones did for the 49ers defense in previous years, this will be a solid pick in Round 4.