SANTA CLARA – Three defensive linemen walk into a rookie minicamp …
But seriously, this is no joke. Here comes the 49ers’ new-look, high-valued defensive linemen:
— Mykell Williams, a 6-foot-5, 267-pound defensive end
— Alfred Collins, a 6-5, 332-pound nose tackle.
— C.J. West, a 6-1, 318 pound defensive tackle.
The 49ers’ drafted them in the first, second and fourth rounds, respectively, to not only fill voids on the defensive line but to form a menacing unit that follows the lead of five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Nick Bosa. The rookies arrive in town this week for minicamp.
“I love teammate camaraderie, so I’m going to just try to gel with them and form a good bond,” West said on his April 26 draft day. “That’s how defensive lines work well together, when they’ve got a good bond and they understand each other and have a feel for each other.”
That was true in Bosa’s rookie season, when he formed an instant connection with a talent-laden line including DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead and Dee Ford. Kevin Givens was an undrafted rookie on that Super Bowl team, and both he and Bosa remain the only holdovers.
This week’s rookie minicamp ignites an orientation process with four months to spare before NFL debuts are made by the 11-pick draft class, which also includes linebacker Nick Martin (third round), nickel back Upton Stout (third round) and safety Marques Sigle (fifth).
Restocking the defensive front four became an obvious task once the 49ers released starters Leonard Floyd, Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave. “We wanted to (draft) guys that fit our vision for what we want that room to be,” Lynch said.
Here is how that vision looks in a few aspects:
THE SCHEME FIT
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh returns after four seasons to oversee new players in a familiar scheme. Although the Wide-9 system proved vulnerable and predictable in recent years, the key is having the right personnel that fulfills assignments.
“We’ve been here nine years and Saleh was first to come with us. We’ve changed
coaches a few times but our system — not just schematically, but the way we do the draft –that doesn’t change,” said coach Kyle Shanahan, noting he “balances out” input from coordinators, position coaches, and scouts when hiring new talent.
“I played some nine at Georgia, but just to be primarily nine-tech, I’m excited man. Super excited,” Williams said. “Because of how well I play on edges, just being in a Wide-9 the whole game, all the time would allow me to make more plays and would allow me to just be a better player overall and have a better career.”
While Shanahan and Lynch also pumped up Williams’ ability to rush inside, that area is perhaps best left for Collins and West as they factor into a rotation with Givens and Jordan Elliott, with Evan Anderson and Kalia Davis also returning to the mix.
THE LEARNING CURVE
Williams doesn’t turn 21 until June 29. West turns 23 on June 12. Collins hits 24 on Oct. 8. All have competed at college football’s elite level and all are receptive to learning the NFL game.
“I’m excited to play for Coach Saleh and play in his system and play with the great players,” Williams said. “And I’m playing with Bosa, man. I can’t wait to get to practice. I can’t wait to get to practice. … I can’t wait to learn from him, really. I’ve got so many questions.”
Added Collins: “I’m ready to learn from those that have done it before me. I’m ready to come in and do whatever I can to win games and I’m going to be a good teammate to my teammates.”
West is especially eager to absorb what he correctly assessed as passionate coaches, not just with Saleh but defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. “That’s the type of coaching style that I love. That’s the type of coaching I want to be in,” West said. “And that’s the program and culture that I want to be in as well. So, I’m excited to get to work. I can’t wait.”
Saleh, Shanahan’s first defensive coordinator from 2017-20, has yet to speak to the media since his January re-hiring, though he did offer cordial greetings to reporters at last month’s local pro day on the 49ers’ practice field.
THE SKILLSETS
Josh Williams, the 49ers’ director of scouting and football operations, was at Georgia’s game against Mississippi when he captured his first impression of Mykel Williams (no relation). “Pregame, that’s when I really realized he’s got an NFL body, he’s made of the right stuff, he’s serious,” Josh Williams said. “He just looked like a guy who would wear our uniform and represent us the right way.”
While Lynch complimented Williams’ multiple traits – tall, long, athletic, versatile, smart, tough – Shanahan crooned over his top pick’s mature look. “Half these guys coming out, I see the majority almost seem 24, 25, and we’ve got a 20-year-old who looks like a man on tape,” Shanahan said. “But to look like a man on tape as a 20-year-old when you’re going against 25-year-olds, I think is a big difference. And I’m excited to see him in the NFL five years from now when he will only be 25.”
Lynch anticpates Collins’ 85-inch wing span and 35-inch arms being factors in not just tossing aside linemen but batting down passes, something the 49ers haven’t done enough of in recent seasons. “He’s really adept at batting balls down,” Lynch said. “He’s got just, I think he affects the quarterback in a big way but can be a real presence in the run game.”
When it comes to stopping the run – something the 49ers uncharacteristically strayed from doing last season – Collins said he relies on his “great pad level, elite hands, great feet, play recognition to know what block is coming to you and then just getting off of blocks, doing your job at a high level.”
Related Articles
49ers’ Deommodore Lenoir is 2025 winner of Dwight Clark Award
Who is Jeff Sperbeck? NFL agent who fell from golf cart driven by John Elway had Bay Area ties
Five keys to watch for 49ers rookie rushers Jordan James, Corey Kiner
49ers bring aboard D.J. Humphries to beef up thin position at offensive tackle
Analysis: George Kittle extension proves 49ers are still serious about winning
But the best self-description any rookie offered on draft weekend was West’s: “I’m multiple. I can do it everywhere. But my bread and butter is at the one-technique. That’s where I just abuse centers, punch ’em in the face, be as violent as possible, just creating havoc down there in the middle.”