49ers owner finds hilarious way to hint at another defensive draft pick coming to San Francisco during the NFL Draft
The San Francisco 49ers entered the draft with a clear plan to add defensive talent. All four picks on Days 1 and 2 were defensive pieces, and while some fans could expect an offensive player early on Day 3, that's not what happened. With the 113th overall pick, the 49ers took Indiana defensive tackle CJ […]
The San Francisco 49ers entered the draft with a clear plan to add defensive talent. All four picks on Days 1 and 2 were defensive pieces, and while some fans could expect an offensive player early on Day 3, that's not what happened. With the 113th overall pick, the 49ers took Indiana defensive tackle CJ West.
And 49ers owner Jed York had an hilarious way to reveal what was coming, mentioning the presence of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh in the draft room.
It's the second defensive tackle taken by the 49ers, after Alfred Collins in the second round. The team has also drafted edge rusher Mykel Williams, linebacker Nick Martin, and cornerback Upton Stout.
CJ West Scouting Report
Defensive tackle, Indiana
Age (Birthday): 22 (6/12/2002)
A to Z Sports Expected Draft Position: 110
Pre-Draft Round Projection: 4
It has been a wild ride for West, who was a lightly recruited defender out of Chicago powerhouse Nazareth Academy, where he played with former Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy. After becoming an All-MAC defensive tackle for multiple seasons at Kent State, West opted to enter the transfer portal prior to the 2024 season. West ended up with Indiana, who put together an historic season. The senior defender was a big part of that success, ending that lone season with 42 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. West is an immovable object on the interior, possessing an outstanding blend of core strength and hand violence. His movement skills are also very underrated, possessing penetration upside on the next level.
Career Projection: Eventual good starter
Why the 49ers drafted him
The interior of the defensive line was a major concern for the team's defensive structure. Especially after the Niners released both Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins for salary cap reasons.
San Francisco entered the draft with Jordan Elliott and Evan Anderson as projected starters, while the backup options are Kalia Davis and Kevin Givens. It was a concerning group all around, both in terms of top talent and just overall numbers.
Over the past few years, the 49ers hadn't invested significant draft resources at the position—at least not since they took Javon Kinlaw with a first-round pick in 2020.
49ers continue stacking defensive talent for Robert Saleh as they work to rebuild a once-dominant unit
San Francisco made three picks on Friday, all of them for the defense
