There’s no bigger question mark on the San Francisco 49ers roster than their new-look defensive line heading into the 2025 season.
That group saw a massive overhaul this offseason with starters Leonard Floyd, Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave all joining other clubs after their respective releases. Former second-round pick Drake Jackson was also let go. San Francisco drafted defensive linemen Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins and CJ West, and then traded for Bryce Huff to bolster a group headlined by former Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa.
Despite a massive overhaul to a position group that struggled a season ago, Pro Football Focus isn’t buying the 49ers’ defensive line as improved just yet. The football analytics site placed San Francisco 21st in their D-line rankings.
Via PFF:
Once considered to be the best defensive line in football, the 49ers’ unit now relies mainly on star edge rusher Nick Bosa. The Ohio State product earned a 91.0 PFF overall grade in 2024, which ranked fourth among edge defenders. The rest of the group leaves a lot to be desired. The 49ers must hope that Bryce Huff can find his old form as he reunites with Robert Saleh. Huff was among the best situational pass rushers in the league during his time with the Jets.
While Huff is undeniably a key piece of the 49ers’ pass rush, their ultimate success will come down to their trio of draft picks. Williams figures to start at defensive end where he should help improve the team’s run defense. Collins and West could conceivably start at the two defensive tackle spots, but even if they’re just rotational players they’ll be tasked with shouldering the run-stuffing load for San Francisco.
The 49ers are hopeful the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will help their defense. It’s all going to start up front, though. If their defensive line hasn’t climbed into the top 10 or so by the end of the season, it’s going to be difficult for them to be a competitive playoff team in 2025.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers roster: D-line outside of top 20 in PFF rankings