The San Francisco 49ers overhauled the defensive tackle position during the offseason, parting ways with their two starters in an effort to get younger. Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins were released in March, leaving Jordan Elliott and Kevin Givens as the projected starters, with Evan Anderson the next man up. The 49ers also bolstered their interior defensive line during the draft, taking an SEC star.
San Francisco 49ers select SEC star on Day 2
The San Francisco 49ers selected former Texas Longhorns star Alfred Collins 43rd overall in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Collins, a nose tackle primarily known for his run-stopping abilities, had a solid five-year career with Texas, recording 141 tackles, 18 TFLs, seven sacks, one interception, 12 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 64 games. His accolades include a Second-Team All-American selection in 2024.
Alfred Collins had a breakout senior season, boasting career highs in tackles and TFLs. Collins recorded 55 tackles, six TFLs, one sack, seven pass deflections, and one forced fumble in 16 games. He also posted 21 run stops, a 7.4% run-stop rate, 18 pressures, and a 6.9% pass-rush win rate, per PFF.
San Francisco 49ers hope rookie takes over key starting spot
According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, the 49ers hope Alfred Collins will take over as the starting defensive tackle later in his rookie season. As Barrows points out, Collins is expected to start as the backup behind Jordan Elliott. Due to his 85-inch wingspan and ability as a run-stopper, he has a chance to stand out and potentially become a star.
“Collins stands out because of his unique size. His 85-inch wingspan is greater than that of former 49ers DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead, and he’s another rookie who defended the run well in college,” Barrows said. “It’s possible that Collins begins the season behind veteran Jordan Elliott on the depth chart. But the hope is that he eventually takes over a starting role next to one of the quick-footed penetrators on the roster like Kevin Givens, West or even Anderson.”
He is still dealing with a soft tissue injury
Alfred Collins suffered a calf injury during the pre-draft process and was first spotted wearing a walking boot on his left leg during Texas’s Pro Day. Collins is still recovering from the calf injury and has not participated during rookie minicamp and the first week of voluntary organized team activities. As a result, him competing for the starting defensive tackle position will have to be put on hold until he fully recovers.
