The San Francisco 49ers are initiating a defensive overhaul under Robert Saleh, who returns as defensive coordinator. The team is moving away from veterans after releasing key players like Javon Hargrave, Maliek Collins, and trading Leonard Floyd. Consequently, they focused their draft strategy on acquiring defensive linemen, selecting Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West among their first five picks. This restructuring may lead to as many as eight new starters on the defense during the 2025 season, emphasizing the reliance on rookies to adjust quickly to the NFL environment.
"I think of all the major sports, the NFL relies on rookies more than any of them. You come in and it's like throw your kiddo in the water and just go swim."
"Those rookies, they're going to make mistakes. The hope is that they can acclimate well enough where they don't make the same mistake twice ... But you throw them in."
"Each had been a starter in 2024. That opened the door for the 49ers to spend three of their first five picks on defensive linemen Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins, and CJ West."
"Coach Kyle Shanahan told Saleh in January that he wouldn't be taking over the veteran-laden defense the team deployed in 2024."
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