Niners Continue Defensive Draft With Texas Tackle Alfred Collins

The San Francisco 49ers set the tone for a NFL Draft defensive reboot on night one. Their pick of Mykel Williams showed a commitment to not only replenishing their free agency losses but also supplementing the talent they have on hand. 

This pointed to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh having his fingerprints all over this draft through the opening days. After constructing a powerful edge rushing duo of Nick Bosa and Williams, the Niners turned to their defensive interior with their second-round selection, continuing to prove that theory right. 

The Niners picked Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins with the No. 43 pick, replenishing the middle of their line that needed serious attention following free agency losses of Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave. 

Collins' final season with the Longhorns saw him become a second-team All-American, totaling 55 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. He brings a towering physical presence that proved a headache for SEC offensive lines to deal with. 

He has some technique and skill areas needing attention, but possesses the ideal starting materials to be molded into a key cog in Saleh's defense. Not yet a polished pass rusher, Collins shined against the run where he anchored one of the best rushing defenses in the nation last season. 

San Francisco's run stop wilted last season, finishing in the middle of the pack. Having grown accustomed to a more apparent defensive presence. In that area specifically, Collins should help engineer a noticeable turnaround from Day 1. 

In addition to the losses of Collins and Hargrave, the Niners have seen several other key pieces on the defense depart this offseason. However, Saleh now has two pieces that project to be major contributors at the front heading into next season and beyond.