Two games is not a huge sample size, but rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton already looks like a big draft steal and three-down player for the 49ers.
When the San Francisco 49ers drafted Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton with Pick No. 107 in the fourth round of the NFL Draft, they took a guy that scouts said would be a strong pass-rusher and disruptor but was "best suited for a rotational role in a movement-based front".
Well, two games into the NFL season, it seems clear Halton is a prospect who's flashed significantly more potential than that, and he could be the next big draft steal for San Francisco.
Now, granted, the Miami Dolphins may be the worst team in the NFL, but Halton showed a glimpse of the Niners defensive line of the future with fellow rookie Romello Height, as they both had a big day against a Dolphins offensive line frequently under siege.
Read More: Romello Height and Gracen Halton headline encouraging 49ers Week 2 rookie report
Halton frequently showed up on the tape as someone who kept shedding blocks and going into the backfield, showing off an array of moves both in pass and run-defense.
The latter is very important, given this was predicted to be his weakness in the NFL.
The most promising part of Gracen Halton's debut is that he played so well against the run. The 49ers were OK drafting him assuming he'd be a pass-rushing tackle, but Halton plays bigger than anticipated and they think he can be a bona fide 3-down player https://t.co/zdPVt89D15
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) August 14, 2026
Halton has paired well with fellow defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa in the new look defensive interior, and they look set to be an excellent pass-rushing duo at the very least. Halton isn't the finished product yet, but he's shown an ability to be a monster already and just needs some good coaching to become a truly dangerous weapon in a position the 49ers have been trying to fix for some time.
Gracen Halton has been an explosive pass rusher and a pleasant surprise against the run. I'll also credit the star next to him:
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 21, 2026
Through 2 weeks, Osa Odighizuwa is #2 among all NFL DTs in pass-rush productivity
Night-and-day DT difference for the 49ers https://t.co/PDbhane8C3
Halton recorded five tackles including one tackle for loss, three pressures and three stops in the 35-13 victory over Miami. His first sack doesn't seem far behind, and he's fast becoming the best rookie storyline for the 49ers in what has been a promising draft class so far.
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