The 49ers invested heavily in their defensive line during the NFL Draft, which requires a look at how the depth chart might pan out.
The San Francisco 49ers' mass exodus of player talent earlier this offseason led many to wonder whether or not returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh would even have enough players to field a full defensive line entering offseason workouts.
After saying goodbye to a slew of defensive linemen, including Leonard Floyd, Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins, the Niners responded by using three of their 11 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on D-linemen, then adding another via the undrafted ranks following the draft's conclusion:
- Round 1: Mykel Williams, Georgia
- Round 2: Alfred Collins, Texas
- Round 4: C.J. West, Indiana
- Undrafted: Sebastian Valdez, Washington
The new rookies certainly help fill the ranks, which will include first-, second- and third-team units into training camp and the preseason.
While there are some older, more established veterans already on the roster, one might expect some shake-ups on the depth chart entering offseason workouts.
Let's predict how that depth chart might end up looking this season.
Predicting 49ers' new D-line depth chart
The only household name San Francisco currently boasts is All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa, but Williams will be given every shot to secure the opposite end position right out of the gate.
While Williams' pass-rushing abilities need some refinement, he's already qualified as a bona fide edge setter and run stopper, which helps put him into starting consideration as soon as Week 1.
Things are a little tougher from there, but one might guess the 49ers' remaining rookies have an excellent chance to see plenty of the field right away.
1st string | 2nd string | 3rd string | |
|---|---|---|---|
Left defensive end | Nick Bosa | Yetur Gross-Matos | |
Defensive tackle | Kevin Givens | C.J. West | Evan Anderson |
Defensive tackle | Alfred Collins | Jordan Elliott | |
Right defensive end | Mykel Williams | Sam Okuayinonu |
The Niners' re-reemphasizing the D-line this offseason likely points to Saleh keeping nine linemen on the 53-man roster, and it's highly likely all three drafted rookies survive the cut.
For Williams, he might come off the field on third downs in favor of Gross-Matos, who flashed after returning from injury last season in what was his first year in the Bay Area.
West might have to play second fiddle behind the longstanding Givens to open up 2025, but that's probably just a temporary stay before the former winds up assuming first-string duties at some point in the season.
Okuayinonu and Anderson survive the cut based on their moments of upside last season, while perennial practice squad member Alex Barrett remains in that capacity.
The door likely closes on edge defenders Drake Jackson and Robert Beal Jr., though, whose failed efforts to make any sort of impact in starting or rotational roles have likely run their course in light of the new faces in town.