San Francisco 49ers: Rebuilding the Defense for the Future

In a bold move that signals a return to the past with hopes of a brighter future, the San Francisco 49ers have reappointed Robert Saleh as their defensive coordinator. This marks his second stint in the role, and though the move is familiar, the 49ers will need more than nostalgia to turn their defensive fortunes around following a disheartening 2024 season. The focus is now on rejuvenating a defense that was notably weak against the run and failed to provide sufficient support for Nick Bosa from a pass-rushing perspective. This offseason, expect the 49ers to zero in on reinforcing their defensive front, with several intriguing prospects standing out at this week’s Senior Bowl practices.

Defensive Line Prospects to Watch in Mobile, AL

The Senior Bowl is an essential opportunity for the 49ers to scout potential defensive line prospects who could address their pressing needs on the defensive side of the ball. With defensive tackle as the most immediate need, the 49ers are especially interested in players who can disrupt the pocket and bolster their defensive depth. Below are five standout prospects to keep an eye on during the practices in Mobile.

DT Walter Nolen – Ole Miss

Defensive tackle remains a critical gap for the 49ers, particularly with the expected release of Javon Hargrave. The team is on the lookout for a dominant presence in the interior, and Walter Nolen could fit that mold. Coming off the best season of his career, Nolen recorded 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss, proving his explosiveness and ability to generate pressure.

While his athleticism is undeniable, there are concerns surrounding his character, with some describing him as having a larger-than-life personality and a touch of arrogance. If he can prove his commitment to the game and showcase his drive, Nolen has the potential to be a first or second-round pick. The 49ers will likely spend significant time in interviews, both in Mobile and at the NFL Scouting Combine, to assess if he’s a good fit for their locker room. If they’re satisfied with his maturity and work ethic, Nolen could become a cornerstone for their defensive future.

EDGE Mike Green – Marshall

Mike Green has been a dominant force in the FBS, leading the nation with 17 sacks in 2024. His weight of 251 pounds dispels any doubts about his ability to play at the highest level, especially when compared to the 49ers’ heaviest edge rusher, Drake Jackson, who weighs in at 273 pounds. The real challenge for Green will be proving himself against top-tier offensive linemen after dominating Sun Belt competition.

Green’s explosive burst and pass-rush moves have made him an intriguing prospect, and his work with the National Team, coached by 49ers defensive quality control coach K.J. Wright, could accelerate his development. If Green can showcase his varied skill set and ability to dominate at the Senior Bowl, he may position himself as a long-term starter opposite Nick Bosa on the 49ers’ defense.

EDGE Shemar Stewart – Texas A&M

Shemar Stewart stands out from the crowd thanks to his rare combination of size and athleticism. At 281 pounds, he is a powerful and explosive presence on the field, consistently showcasing the ability to knock back offensive linemen with his bull rush. This makes him an ideal fit for the 49ers’ defensive line, and his physicality could be a game-changer under the coaching of Kris Kocurek.

However, Stewart has faced criticism for inconsistency and lapses in positioning, particularly in run defense, which could be a concern for the 49ers, who struggled against the run in 2024. If Stewart can demonstrate growth in his ability to stay disciplined and effective against the run, he could solidify his place as a top-50 pick and be an option for the 49ers to strengthen their edge rush.

CB Quincy Riley – Louisville

While the defensive line will undoubtedly be the focal point of the 49ers’ offseason, adding depth to the secondary is another area of interest. With Charvarius Ward potentially leaving in free agency, the 49ers will need to find a cornerback who can play outside while Deommodore Lenoir handles the slot.

Quincy Riley has showcased elite ball skills throughout his college career, finishing with eight interceptions, five of which came in his final two seasons, and 25 pass breakups. His coverage skills are undeniable, and a strong showing at the Senior Bowl could elevate his stock. If Riley can impress during the practices and prove he can contribute to the 49ers’ secondary, he could be a tempting option to complement their existing cornerbacks.

CB Azareye’h Thomas – Florida State

The 49ers may also look to replicate their success with Florida State prospects by selecting another Seminole in Azareye’h Thomas. While Thomas doesn’t have the interception numbers of Quincy Riley, he has an impressive 10 pass breakups in 2023 and is known for his physicality and aggressive play in press-man coverage.

Thomas’ ability to play physically at the line of scrimmage and his potential to attack the ball in the air make him an intriguing option for the 49ers. If he can demonstrate his man-to-man coverage abilities at the Senior Bowl, it could help boost his stock and potentially make him a solid addition to the 49ers’ secondary. Adding another strong cornerback could give the team even more flexibility in coverage and create a more formidable defense.

Conclusion: Building the Future of the 49ers Defense

The 49ers’ defense needs a serious overhaul after the disappointing 2024 season, and the Senior Bowl presents an invaluable opportunity to identify players who can make an immediate impact. From defensive tackles like Walter Nolen to cornerbacks like Quincy Riley and Azareye’h Thomas, the 49ers are targeting players who can strengthen both their front line and secondary. As the team looks to retool its defense for the future, expect to see plenty of attention given to these prospects as the 49ers aim to bring their defense back to dominance.