The 49ers made some highly questionable decisions this offseason.
Despite having more than $45 million in cap space, they cut nine starter players. They then made an effort to use rookies and inexpensive free agents to replace the majority of those starters. Thus, on paper, they became worse.
However, the 49ers at least gave their run defense top priority while making the pick. According to Pro Football Focus, that was their best offseason choice.
“San Francisco’s porous run defense was its biggest defensive flaw in 2024,” writes Dalton Wasserman of PFF. The squad had its lowest ranking in that category since 2016 with its 28th-ranked PFF run-defense grade. In response, the 49ers acquired several run stuffers in the draft and reunited with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
“During his three seasons at Georgia, edge defender Mykel Williams achieved an outstanding 86.6 PFF run-defense grade. According to the 2024 PFF run-defense grade, Alfred Collins and CJ West were both placed in the top 20 FBS defensive tackles. Together with Nick Bosa, the three will form the 49ers’ new front-line run defense.”
The 49ers also selected nickelback Upton Stout and linebacker Nick Martin in the third round, two more players who will support the run defense.
The 49ers deserve praise for their dedication to resolving such a significant issue. However, starting five rookies—who are certain to struggle initially—is the answer. Therefore, if the 49ers’ run defense ever truly gels this season, it may not be addressed until halfway through.
Leave a Reply