The 49ers' Defensive Line Ranks 21st in the NFL per Pro Football Focus

Under Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch, the 49ers have had a clear philosophy: Knock down the opposing quarterback.

If they can build a dominant defensive line, they can win. That's why they've spent so much money and so many first-round picks on defensive linemen since 2017.

And yet, despite all of that investment, the 49ers' defensive line ranks just 21st out of 32 teams entering the 2025 season, according to Pro Football Focus.

"Once considered to be the best defensive line in football, the 49ers’ unit now relies mainly on star edge rusher Nick Bosa," writes PFF's Zoltán Buday. "The Ohio State product earned a 91.0 PFF overall grade in 2024, which ranked fourth among edge defenders. The rest of the group leaves a lot to be desired. The 49ers must hope that Bryce Huff can find his old form as he reunites with Robert Saleh. Huff was among the best situational pass rushers in the league during his time with the Jets."

A big reason Bosa's sack production has been down the past few seasons is the lack of talent around him on the defensive line. Opponents have been able to focus on him much more than they could when he was younger.

That's why the 49ers drafted Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins and C.J. West this offseason. Those three rookies will determine just how good the defensive line will be this year. And Pro Football Focus has no way to project how successful rookies will be. So this unit mostly is a mystery. But it certainly has the potential to be special if the young players grow up quickly.