The 49ers made some subtle alterations to their defense via free agency and the draft. And they are hopeful those changes help push them from being the top-13 group they were last season to one that cracks the top 10.
For that to happen, though, they must stay healthy. That was not the case last year when Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams and Fred Warner missed significant time with injuries.
All three are on track to return, and if they stay on the field, it increases the chances the 49ers experience a big push defensively.
Here is a look at where things stand with the 49ers’ defensive depth chart, after free agencyand the draft:
Starters:Nick Bosa, Mykel Williams
Reserves:Romello Height, Keion White, Sam Okuayinonu, Mikail Kamara, Andrew Farmer, Cameron Sample, William Bradley-King
The skinny:It’s still a jolt realizing the 49ers managed just 20 sacks last year. Not to make excuses but losing Bosa and Williams clearly played a major role. Knee injuries limited Bosa to three games and Williams, their 2025 first-round pick, to nine games. Both are on track to be back in 2026. That will make a massive difference.Height is expected to offer immediate helpas a rotational rusher.
Bottom line:If this room stays healthy, there’s no chance the 49ers finish with 20 sacks this year. If they get back to the normal way they pressure quarterbacks, it changes everything about their defense.
Starters:Alfred Collins, Osa Odighizuwa
Reserves:CJ West, Evan Anderson, Sebastian Valdez, Bryson Eason, James Thompson Jr., Gracen Halton
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
