The San Francisco 49ers have built their identity on dominant defense for years, and the organization believes its next great defensive front is already taking shape. After investing heavily in the trenches during the 2025 NFL Draft, San Francisco now enters the 2026 season with high expectations for its young defensive linemen—especially second-round pick Alfred Collins.
While injuries limited the development of several rookies last season, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is convinced the breakout fans have been waiting for is right around the corner.
49ers Continue Investing in Their Defensive Future
The 49ers made strengthening the defensive line a top priority during the 2025 NFL Draft. They selected Mykel Williams in the first round, followed by Alfred Collins in the second and CJ West in the fourth, creating one of the NFL’s most intriguing young defensive groups.
Although the trio showed flashes during their rookie campaigns, injuries and inconsistent availability prevented San Francisco from seeing the full potential of the unit.
Now healthy and with another offseason of development behind them, expectations are beginning to rise throughout the organization.
Robert Saleh Believes Alfred Collins Is Ready to Take the Next Step
Among the young defenders, Collins has earned particularly strong praise from Saleh, one of the league’s most respected defensive coaches.
Speaking about the former second-round selection, Saleh didn’t hesitate to express his confidence.
“I know Alfred Collins was a second-round pick and all, but I really think he’s going to be special. His mindset to get better, his work ethic, he’s only going to get better. And when it triggers for him, he’s going to be a bear to stop.”
Those comments carry significant weight.
Saleh has helped develop elite defensive talent throughout his coaching career, and his belief in Collins suggests the 49ers see much more than just untapped potential—they see a future cornerstone.
A Defensive Breakout Could Transform San Francisco
The 49ers have consistently fielded one of the NFL’s toughest defenses, but sustaining that level of excellence requires young players to emerge as veterans move on.
If Collins develops into the disruptive interior force Saleh envisions, San Francisco could once again possess one of football’s most feared defensive fronts. Combined with Williams’ athleticism on the edge and West’s versatility, the foundation is already in place for the next generation of 49ers defenders.
For a team with championship aspirations, internal development may prove just as valuable as any offseason acquisition.
The pieces are there.
Now, according to Robert Saleh, it’s only a matter of time before Alfred Collins puts everything together—and when that moment arrives, opposing offenses throughout the NFL could have a serious problem on their hands.