Incredible stat shows how 49ers 4th-round pick could have major impact as a rookie

The San Francisco 49ers used their first two picks in the 2025 NFL draft to bolster their depleted defensive line. While the selections of defensive end Mykel Williams at No. 11 overall and defensive tackle Alfred Collins at No. 43 overall will get most of the attention, the third defensive lineman they picked may have the biggest impact of the three.

After double-dipping on the defensive line in Rounds 1 and 2, the 49ers went back to the well with their first pick in the fourth round and selected Indiana defensive tackle CJ West No. 113 overall.

West was a tremendous player for four years at Kent State, and he had no problem continuing his impact when he made the jump to Indiana and the Big Ten. NFL analyst Brett Kollmann offered a stat that helps illustrate the kind of effect West can have for the 49ers’ defense.

West’s presence made it nigh impossible for teams to run up the middle against the Hoosiers. The 49ers, who finished No. 18 in rushing yards allowed and No. 17 in rushing yards per attempt allowed, and gave up the second-most runs of 40-plus yards last season, badly needed to improve their run defense.

Not only should West help them limit those big plays in the run game, but he should make it more difficult for teams to run on early downs to give the 49ers defense more third-and-longs to play from. That will help drop their 25th-ranked third-down defense.

It may take West some time to ramp up against NFL competition. His potential impact once he reaches that level is clear.

This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers draft picks: Stat shows how CJ West can make an impact in Year 1