The San Francisco 49ers have one more game to go before entering their bye week, and they have a chance to go into the break with a perfect 7-0 record. Most people wouldn't have thought it possible, given the 49ers were unanimously considered the third-best team in the NFC West behind the Rams and Seahawks.
Part of the reason has been the rookie draft class, especially the defenders. The 49ers seem to have hit paydirt with more than one of their young guns, which has given the defense some new life compared to last year (along with the hiring of Raheem Morris).
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The most impressive rookie so far might just be defensive tackle Gracen Halton, the fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma who wasted no time becoming an important part of the defense.
Halton came into the NFL Draft with the tag of being a pass-rusher who may struggle in the run game, which accounted for his Day 3 status. But not only has he been as advertised in the pass game with two sacks (and a third wiped out due to a penalty) in the last two games, but his run defense has been much better than expected. The latter was showcased in his defensive touchdown against the Seahawks, where he stripped the ball in the endzone and managed to then fall on it.
Gracen Halton forces the fumble and the 49ers' defense recovers in the end zone for a touchdown ‼️ pic.twitter.com/P1J5832bGA
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) October 11, 2026
Gracen Halton is the unforeseen defensive piece the 49ers desperately needed
Halton is becoming close to a permanent three-down fixture on the 49ers' defensive line, and his interior pressure has been essential, especially the last few weeks with his splash plays against the Seahawks and Commanders.
If Halton can keep up that momentum and help get the 49ers to 7-0, he can put his name among the Day 3 steals such as George Kittle, Dre Greenlaw, and Malik Mustapha on this roster.
It will be interesting to see how coach Kyle Shanahan handles both Halton and Alfred Collins when Collins returns from injury, but that is next year's dilemma. For now, 49ers fans can rejoice in the fact that Halton and the rest of the rookie class are doing exactly what the team needs of them.
As the team continues to get healthy, Halton's efforta will only be maximized. A defensive line featuring the rookie, Osa Odighizuwa, Mykel Williams, and Nick Bosa will be nothing short of terrifying for opposing quarterbacks.
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