49ers rookie Gracen Halton is quickly proving San Francisco may have found another mid-round steal after breakout performance
The San Francisco 49ers took DT Gracen Halton in the 4th-round of the 2026 NFL Draft. After injuries have swarmed the team, they have turned to Halton to step up. And he did on Sunday.
San Francisco 49ers rookie defensive tackle Gracen Halton was excellent in Sunday’s game against the Dolphins. The rookie’s early-season emergence could not come at a better time. With the 49ers defensive front banged up, Halton is proving that the fourth-round pick out of Oklahoma belongs on this roster and deserves a growing role in Raheem Morris’ defense.
I was very impressed by the preseason performance that Halton put together. He flashed in the opener against the Tennessee Titans, and made plays in the other outings as well. Like every rookie he has his faults and shortcomings. But if the Dolphins game is any indication, his ceiling could be sky-high.
Filling the void left by Alfred Collins
Halton’s opportunity expanded significantly after defensive tackle Alfred Collins suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon during practice in Australia leading up to the season opener against the Rams. That was a brutal blow to San Francisco’s interior defensive line, and it put pressure on young players to step up immediately. Gracen Halton being the primary candidate.
Halton answered the call against Miami. In 31 snaps, he posted five tackles (one for loss), three pressures, three stops, and a 68.3 PFF defensive grade. I thought he was one of the 49ers’ preseason winners, and what he showed in those exhibition games has clearly carried over into the regular season. The preseason reps served him well, and now the production is following.
A smooth transition from college to the pros
Look, going from Brent Venables’ defense at Oklahoma to playing for Raheem Morris and the 49ers is about as smooth a landing as a rookie defensive tackle can ask for. Halton walked into a strong scheme with a strong coaching staff, and he’s taking advantage of it. He’s a skillful player who can fly under the radar because of his draft slot, but fourth-round picks have produced quality starters throughout NFL history.
And don’t discount who he did this against. The Dolphins might not be a great team, but they have legitimate players on the interior of their offensive line. Aaron Brewer, Jonah Savaiinaea, and the rest of that group gave Halton real resistance. Yet he still posted an impressive stat line. That matters.
Stock is rising
What Halton did on Sunday is an excellent stepping stone for the rest of his rookie season. The entire San Francisco defensive front needs to get healthier, and Morris needs those guys performing at a high level for this defense to reach its ceiling. Halton is doing his part. The 49ers did just make a move to sign veteran DT Naquan Jones from the Vikings practice squad.
Jones should certainly give the team a boost up front as well and provide valuable depth. But make no mistake about it, this is Gracen Halton’s opportunity and job. The 49ers drafted him, they trust him, and Sunday showed why.
I’m high on this kid going forward. He’s earned more snaps, and if he keeps producing like this, the 49ers will have found a legitimate contributor in the middle rounds of the draft. Definitely stock up on Gracen Halton for the rest of the season.
