The 49ers need more from their early-round picks on the defensive line this season
PFF believes the 49ers have misses along the defensive line that the team needs more from
The San Francisco 49ers are facing a significant challenge in the defensive line this season, as highlighted by Pro Football Focus. The team's biggest concern is the underperformance of their first- and second-round picks. Mykel Williams, selected in the first round, played 385 snaps last season before suffering a season-ending injury.
Williams generated only 19 pressures on 245 pass-rushing snaps, resulting in a 54.7 PFF grade. In contrast, Alfred Collins, drafted in the second round, logged 550 snaps with a 35.0 PFF grade, tying for the second-lowest among 94 interior defenders who played at least 300 snaps. Despite San Francisco having talent on defense, the team cannot afford further misses at the defensive line.
Both Williams and Collins are expected to improve in 2026. Mykel Williams, who will be 22 in 2026, showed promise in his first season with the 49ers, ranking 11th in winning percentage as a pass rusher and having the lowest average depth of tackle among his peers. However, Alfred Collins, who turns 25 in October, has yet to demonstrate consistency in his development.
Collins' missed tackle rate of 14.3% in the first preseason game raised concerns, as he had the sixth-highest among rookie defensive tackles in that category. The 49ers need Collins to meet or exceed his draft status for the team to reach its full potential this season.
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