The 49ers have plenty of bodies along the defensive line, but are they good enough to bring the defense back to its heyday?
As the San Francisco 49ers gear up for the 2025 season, their defensive line remains a focal point of intrigue and concern. With 15 players currently vying for spots on the roster, the defensive line is poised to be the largest position group retained by head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. However, history suggests that only nine or ten will survive the final cuts to make the initial 53-man roster, setting the stage for a fierce training camp battle starting in late July.
Unlike previous years, the 49ers’ defensive line lacks the usual cadre of guaranteed locks, revealing a shocking issue: the unit is alarmingly top-heavy, with a noticeable drop-off in proven talent beyond the starters and key reserves. This lack of depth, particularly at the edge rusher position, could spell trouble for a team known for its dominant front four. Let’s break down the projected roster, highlight the starters and depth players, and address the glaring concern that fans can’t afford to overlook.
Projected Starting Defensive Line
For this analysis, the “starters” refer to the 4-3 base defense, though defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and defensive line coach Kris Kocurek’s heavy rotation philosophy means most players who make the roster will see significant snaps. The projected starting lineup is:
DE Nick Bosa: The cornerstone of the defensive line, Bosa’s elite pass-rushing ability makes him a lock and a perennial Pro Bowl candidate.
DT Jordan Elliott: A veteran presence, Elliott is expected to hold down the interior, though he faces competition from younger players.
DT Kevin Givens: Another experienced option, Givens provides stability but could be pushed by rookie talent as the season progresses.
DE Mykel Williams: While not guaranteed to start immediately, Williams’ athleticism ensures he’ll be a major part of the rotation and likely earns the nod opposite Bosa.
There’s a chance that rookie defensive tackles could overtake Elliott or Givens during the season, but the veterans are favored to start based on their experience. Williams, too, might not open as the starter, but his role in the rotation is secure, underscoring the team’s reliance on emerging talent.
Defensive Line Depth
Beyond the starters, the 49ers have several players competing for depth roles, but the lack of proven commodities here is where the roster’s weakness becomes evident. The projected depth players are:
DE Bryce Huff: Recently acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles, Huff is a critical addition expected to bolster the edge rotation. His ability to produce as a pass rusher will be pivotal.
DE/DL Yetur Gross-Matos: A versatile player capable of lining up inside or outside, Gross-Matos adds flexibility but needs to elevate his impact.
DT Alfred Collins: A rookie with upside, Collins could develop into a key contributor if he adapts quickly to the NFL level.
DT CJ West: Another interior option, West provides depth but lacks the standout traits to guarantee a roster spot without a strong camp.
DE Sam Okuayinonu: Tasked with a larger role than ever before, Okuayinonu’s unproven track record raises concerns about his readiness.
DE Robert Beal: Like Okuayinonu, Beal is being counted on for significant production despite limited prior contributions, highlighting the team’s thin edge depth.
With three or four roster spots up for grabs, the competition among these players will be intense. However, the reliance on relatively untested players like Okuayinonu and Beal at edge rusher exposes a critical vulnerability.
The Shocking Issue: Lack of Edge Depth
The 49ers’ defensive line has long been a strength, thanks to stars like Bosa and a robust rotation under Kocurek’s guidance. But this year’s roster projections reveal a troubling reality: the edge rusher depth is dangerously thin. Beyond Bosa and Huff, the team is banking on Okuayinonu and Beal to step into roles they’ve never consistently filled. This is a significant gamble for a unit that thrives on relentless pressure.
While the defensive tackle group appears solid with Elliott, Givens, Collins, and West, the edge rusher position lacks the proven talent needed to maintain San Francisco’s defensive identity. If Okuayinonu or Beal fail to deliver, or if injuries strike Bosa or Huff, the 49ers could struggle to generate consistent pressure, potentially undermining the entire defense.
Can Kocurek’s Magic Save the Day?
Defensive line coach Kris Kocurek has a reputation for maximizing talent, turning lesser-known players into productive contributors. His ability to coach up this group will be crucial, particularly with the unproven edge rushers. If Kocurek can unlock the potential in Okuayinonu, Beal, or even Gross-Matos as a hybrid edge player, the defensive line could still be a good—if unspectacular—unit.
However, relying on coaching alone to mask a lack of proven depth is risky. The 49ers may need to explore adding an edge rusher before the season, whether through a late free-agent signing or a trade, to shore up this glaring weakness. Without such a move, the defensive line risks underperforming, a scenario that could derail the team’s playoff aspirations.
Final Thoughts
The 49ers’ defensive line remains a talented group with star power in Nick Bosa and promising pieces like Bryce Huff and Mykel Williams. But the roster predictions for 2025 expose a shocking issue that fans can’t ignore: the lack of proven edge rusher depth. With untested players like Sam Okuayinonu and Robert Beal expected to fill critical roles, the team is one injury or underperformance away from a significant drop-off.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on this battle, as the outcome will shape San Francisco’s defensive identity. If Kocurek can work his magic and a few young players step up, the defensive line could still be a good unit in 2025. But if the edge depth issue persists, the 49ers may need to act swiftly to avoid an underwhelming season from one of their most important position groups.