49ers coach shares candid thoughts on two key defensive draft additions

The San Francisco 49ers used two draft picks to strengthen a defensive front that struggled with inconsistency during the 2025 season. According to Pro Football Focus, the 49ers ranked 27th in pass rush and 30th in run defense.

Injuries played a significant role in the defensive struggles. Still, those are areas the team is clearly aiming to improve heading into 2026.

Influenced in part by new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, the 49ers selected edge rusher Romello Height in the third round and defensive lineman Gracen Halton in the fourth round.

Morris acknowledged that improving the pass rush was a priority after the defense finished last season with just 20 sacks, the lowest total in the NFL.

"Romello brings a certain ability to pass rush that he showed opposite of his young teammate (Jets rookie edge rusher David Bailey) out there at Texas Tech," Morris said. "Romello's going to come in here and be able to provide some of those things for us, be able to get into that room and really learn from one of the best D-line coaches in the world in Kris Kocurek and [assistant defensive line coach] Greg Scruggs, and obviously, [defensive quality control coach] Cam Brown, and being able to get with those guys and be able to be the best version of himself.

"So, watching Romello as a pass rusher, watching Romello be able to go out there and do some different things. Whether it be in the pass game or whether it be in the run game, you see all the things that we love about the guy. ... And he plays with high energy, probably one of the highest energy guys in the draft that we saw, and that I was at least able to evaluate."

Morris added, "So, extremely confident and fired up about that."

Height also expressed excitement about joining the 49ers and learning from the team's veteran leadership. He specifically mentioned his eagerness to learn from star pass rusher Nick Bosa as he begins his NFL career.

"I can't wait to talk to him, and see how he goes about his day, and see how he carries himself," Height said. "I just can't wait to talk to him. I can't wait to get around him."

The selection of Gracen Halton adds depth to the interior defensive line rotation, an area the 49ers are counting on to improve their run defense and create more favorable matchups on the edges.

Last year, the 49ers used two draft picks on defensive tackles Alfred Collins and CJ West. The team continued revamping the interior this offseason by trading for Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa.

"He gives that same type of interior presence," Morris said of Halton. "Last year, you guys went out and added big CJ, and you added big A.C., big-time run stoppers, big-time guys that can just get off the ball, disrupt, and do a bunch of different things.

"And you go out there, and keep adding guys in those positions so you can get that constant roll. And to be able to get those guys to roll through that, cause absolute disruption for everybody that we play against, is something that you love."

Halton expressed his excitement about playing alongside Collins. He is also looking forward to playing in front of linebackers Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw.

"I'm ready," Halton said on Thursday. "My job is to make their job easier, make them just play complete. That's what I'm ready to do."

For the 49ers, the focus has been rebuilding the defensive front into a more consistent, disruptive unit that can elevate the entire defense and create more game-changing opportunities.