Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, bolstering the defensive line was the main priority for the San Francisco 49ers. General manager John Lynch drafted two defensive tackles within the first four rounds, with both Alfred Collins and CJ West having a great opportunity to start as rookies.
The pair have hit the ground running to start training camp, with each player turning heads for showcasing their playstyles. Collins projects to play a role similar to what Javon Hargrave played in 2024, where West looks to be similar to a D.J. Jones-type of defensive tackle.
As a second-round pick, Collins has caught the attention of everyone at training camp, mainly for his size and athleticism. The 6-foot-5, 332-pound former Texas Longhorn looks like a man amongst boys at times during drills, and has footspeed and agility that match someone 50 pounds lighter.
CJ West and Alfred Collins. What ya think, Niner fans? pic.twitter.com/dOMzMprqsY
— Bonta Hill (@BontaHill) July 28, 2025
Ever since moving on from DeForest Buckner back in 2020, the 49ers have been searching for his replacement. After what would be considered a “miss” by most, drafting Javon Kinlaw in the first round over five years ago, the organization is hoping Collins can be a big difference-maker.
Despite playing the same position, West features a largely different build as a defensive tackle. Coming in at 6-foot-1, 316 pounds, the former Indiana Hoosier has been both explosive and powerful during his first training camp, putting his teammates on notice.
Jake Brendel on CJ West:
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) July 29, 2025
“He’s a lot more of a fast twitch guy. He has a lot of side-to-side movement and side-to-side speed. He’s got a lot of dynamic strength in the pass rush. One on ones, you guys are out there, you see him, he’s had a lot of success.” pic.twitter.com/GUp2iMYVkc
West played a good chunk of his collegiate snaps lined up over the center at nose tackle, forcing tackles for loss on a regular basis. The fourth-round selection has dominated most drills he’s participated in to start, and continues to learn from defensive line coach Kris Kocurek.
It’s been a while since there was a dominant duo of defensive tackles in San Francisco, and if Collins and West can continue to develop, they could help produce one of the top defenses in the NFL.