The 49ers need day-one starters for the defensive line in the NFL Draft, and Toledo's Darius Alexander might be the perfect candidate for the job.
When combing through the multitude of mock drafts out there, it's common to see a team's biggest need targeted with said team's first pick.
Applying this logic to the San Francisco 49ers, their biggest need is for the defensive line, which means a D-lineman is logically going to be the pick at No. 11 overall, right?
Perhaps. But, in light of the fact the 2025 NFL Draft is laden with quality defensive linemen, it might not be surprising to see the Niners table that need until after the first round and draft another position of need in that spot where the pool of talent isn't quite as rich or deep.
Round 1-caliber defensive linemen will be available on day two, and there are surely starting-level options to be had in the later rounds, affording general manager John Lynch and Co. the opportunity to either double-dip with multiple picks on the D-line and/or to identify less-heralded prospects with the hope of landing the next "hidden gem."
One of those is easily Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander.
Darius Alexander could start right away for 49ers
A consensus day-two prospect, likely someone who'll hear his name called in Round 3 later this April, the 6-foot-4 and 305-pound Alexander is by no means a sleeper but is far from the attention bestowed on top-level D-linemen like Michigan's Mason Graham or Ole Miss' Walter Nolen.
Alexander's small-school pedigree does work against him here. But, as is often the case of prospects from under-the-radar programs, it's best to judge the player and not necessarily the school.
From that vantage point, and in light of Alexander's impressive performance at the Senior Bowl, few should care whether or not Toledo is a powerhouse channel for NFL-level talent (although cornerback Quinyon Mitchell helped prove that wrong a year ago).
As for Alexander, Bleacher Report's Brent Sobleski saw the fifth-year senior as someone who'd easily be a day-one starter, particularly in an even front, not unlike what San Francisco operates in its 4-3 base defense:
"The 6'4", 304-pound defensive tackle spent six seasons as part of the Toledo program. He'll turn 25 before the start of his rookie campaign, and he's clearly ready to create an impact at the onset of his professional career.
Everyone should see a prospect with the mentality, maturity and physicality to thrive along a defensive front. Much like Mitchell, Alexander went to Mobile, Alabama, and put on a show. He was able to consistently win one-on-one matchups and get in the backfield. From there, he had a relatively athletic score over 9, per Kent Lee Platte.
Alexander never put up huge numbers in college, but his tape signals a player with the skill set to immediately step into a lineup and do his job at a relatively high level."
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An immediate starter is what the 49ers need right now for their D-line. After jettisoning defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins, the Niners are essentially left with perennial backups like Kevin Givens, Jordan Elliott and second-year pro Evan Anderson, who could potentially plug voids adequately enough but are far from preferred first-team options.
Alexander, who boasted 7.5 sacks and 14 tackles for a loss during his final two collegiate seasons, can already win now as a run stopper and only needs some technical coaching refinement in the pass-rush department.
Considering run defense was a primary weakness for San Francisco the last two years, adding Alexander's talents on day two of the draft isn't exactly a bad idea.
Especially if it saves the 49ers' top pick in the draft for one of their other pressing areas of need.
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