San Francisco, CA — Ever since the San Francisco 49ers traded away star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, the team has failed to fill the physical and emotional void at the heart of their defense. Inconsistent performances, a revolving door of veterans, and a steady decline in interior run defense have plagued the once-dominant unit. Now, with a renewed sense of urgency — and the return of Robert Saleh as defensive coordinator — the 49ers are betting on youth to turn things around.

2025 NFL Draft: Alfred Collins and CJ West Signal a New Direction

Looking to end their interior line woes, the 49ers selected Alfred Collins in the second round and CJ West in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Both players bring athleticism, upside, and the kind of interior presence that has been missing since Buckner’s departure.

• Alfred Collins, the former Texas standout, recorded 55 tackles in 2024 and flashed elite versatility. With his size, quickness, and ability to disrupt both the run and pass, Collins is expected to get first-team reps from Day One.

• CJ West, ranked among the top 15 interior defensive linemen in FBS Power Five conferences by Pro Football Focus (PFF), offers a stout frame and technical discipline that could make him a surprise impact rookie.

While Collins may be penciled in as the early starter, insiders say West shouldn’t be overlooked in training camp battles.

Interior Line Woes Reach Boiling Point in 2024

The 49ers’ 2024 season saw the defensive interior collapse for the third straight year. While Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd anchored the edges with All-Pro-level production, the middle of the line resembled a turnstile.

Veterans Maliek Collins, Kevin Givens, Jordan Elliott, Sam Okuayinonu, and Evan Anderson all rotated through — yet none made a lasting impression. As a result, San Francisco ranked in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards allowed and yards per rush allowed, especially struggling against inside runs where they finished in the bottom 10.

Robert Saleh Returns — and So Does the Accountability

In a bid to restore the hard-nosed defensive identity that once made the 49ers elite, head coach Kyle Shanahan has brought back Robert Saleh to run the defense. Saleh’s last stint as coordinator in 2020 saw the 49ers rank seventh in rush defense. In his absence, that number dropped to 18th in 2024.

Saleh wasted no time cleaning house.

This offseason, San Francisco released multiple veterans including Maliek Collins, Leonard Floyd, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, and Javon Hargrave. Maliek Collins’ departure — despite starting all 17 games last season and ranking third on the team with 6.5 stuffs — underscores the team’s aggressive reset.

Depth Chart Uncertainty: Only One Starting Spot is Safe

With the roster purge complete, only five experienced interior defensive linemen remain: Givens, Elliott, Anderson, Okuayinonu, and the newly drafted rookies. Given Saleh’s preference for a 4-3 front, it’s expected that Givens will retain one starting spot due to his experience in Saleh’s previous system.

The other starting DT job? That will be determined in training camp — a wide-open competition where Collins and West are expected to shine.

Complicating matters, the 49ers are poised to cut at least two interior linemen by the end of preseason. Based on recent form and upside, veterans like Okuayinonu and Elliott may find themselves on the outside looking in.

Only Three Defensive Holdovers from the Saleh Era Remain

Following the departure of Dre Greenlaw in free agency and the release of Flannigan-Fowles, only three defenders remain from Saleh’s last tenure on Kyle Shanahan’s staff: Fred Warner, Nick Bosa, and Kevin Givens. These veterans will be tasked not just with execution, but with mentorship — particularly for rookies like Collins and West.

Conclusion: A Make-or-Break Year for 49ers Defensive Front

After years of patchwork and underperformance, the 49ers are finally addressing the interior defensive line with a serious investment in youth and scheme familiarity. The return of Robert Saleh and the addition of Alfred Collins and CJ West signal a clear shift: San Francisco is done playing soft in the trenches.

Whether this gamble pays off depends on how quickly these rookies adapt — and how well the veterans respond to renewed competition. For a franchise with championship aspirations and little room for defensive excuses, 2025 is the year to reclaim dominance in the trenches.