NFL analyst gives 49ers a workmanlike grade for drafting Alfred Collins

The Niners won't win the draft by taking Alfred Collins, but it's hard to argue with the pick.
ByPeter Panacy|
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Alfred Collins (95)
Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Alfred Collins (95) | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 49ers' Round 2 pick of Alfred Collins in the NFL Draft might not have been flashy, but the blue-collar nature of it is respectful.

The San Francisco 49ers opted to pass on some notable talent with their first pick in Round 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, notably Michigan cornerback Will Johnson, who was still available after surprisingly slipping out of the first round.

While that might have been a modest surprise, the Niners' approach to the draft hasn't been.

Their focus, particularly in light of last year's struggles up front, has been to get the defensive line back up to par. After using the No. 11 overall pick on Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams, San Francisco doubled down by grabbing Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins, a mammoth 6-foot-6 and 332-pound defender who'll have little trouble beefing up the 49ers' beleaguered run defense right away.

So, how are analysts viewing the draft?

Again, it wasn't a flashy move. But it's a strong one.

Pro Football Network analyst gives 49ers a solid grade for Alfred Collins pick

Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network didn't mind the Niners' selection of Collins one bit, citing San Francisco's previous problems and shortages within the interior of their D-line as a prime reason why the former Longhorn made sense.

Cummings wrote:

"The 49ers’ interior defensive line was in drastic need of reinforcements heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, and they were quick to address it on Day 2. Alfred Collins is a monstrous specimen at 6’6”, 330 pounds, with over 34” arms, and at the very least, he can be an elite space-eater and stack-and-shed operator in the run game.

The concerns with Collins come from his lacking pass-rush utility. He can be plodding and uncoordinated with his overall motion, and he doesn’t have the downhill disruptive ability as a one-gapper that Robert Saleh normally likes from his DTs. Collins will be best as an ancillary piece who disruptors can orbit around, but he improves the run defense on Day 1 and has some modest pass-rush upside."

Collins will immediately alleviate the offseason releases of veteran defensive tackles Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave, who were part of the 49ers' cost-cutting measures.

The rookie Collins likely begins his pro career as an easy two-down defender, who if he hones his pass-rushing moves, could be an every-down disruptor and a quality pickup for coordinator Robert Saleh and Co.

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