The San Francisco 49ers went overboard in trying to improve their defensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft, as they followed up the selection of pass rusher Mykel Williams with the No. 11 overall pick by taking two defensive tackles in second-rounder Alfred Collins and fourth-rounder CJ West.
Collins has had just about the worst possible start to life in the NFL as one could have imagined. Not only is he behind in learning the 49ers' playbook as a result of his holdout, but he has found himself below West in many key areas of the pecking order.
Collins didn't light it up in the 49ers' preseason struggles against the Denver Broncos, as he didn't record a single defensive stat in that game. Chad Reuter of NFL.com was very critical of Collins' performance, giving him a C grade.
Between his poor showing against Denver and the fact that training camp struggles haven't abated now that he's put the pads on, Collins is in the middle of a brutal adjustment period to life as a 49er.
49ers rookie Alfred Collins struggles in first preseason action
Collins has very limited upside as a pass rusher, as the former 5-star recruit saw his stock in the NFL based almost entirely on his ability to stop the run. However, there's a difference between having limited upside and being such a liability that he is borderline unplayable on passing downs.
Collins could make up for those limitations by being so elite in the specific craft of run defense that he ends up becoming an unquestioned run-stuffer, but he doesn't appear to be capable of realizing his potential in this area just yet. Rookie growing pains are fine, but they're a bit more concerning for a Top-50 pick billed as an instant contributor.
The starting defensive tackle spots are wide open right now. Even though defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has a history of rotating defensive tackle snaps more than any coach in the league, Collins isn't going to get snaps if he keeps playing like he did in his first extended action.
Collins has more than enough time to correct these mistakes, and he proved to be one of the best run-stuffers throughout his time in the Big 12, but his initial adjustment to life in the pros might take longer than San Francisco expected. His rookie year could be more of a learning experience than the front office wanted.
