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49ers Need Two Recent Draft Picks to Be Better in 2026
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- 49ers Need Two Recent Draft Picks to Be Better in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers under general manager John Lynch have had mixed results with their draft classes. The team has frequently been criticized for reaching on prospects.
Hopefully, the 2025 class doesn't end up being one of those classes that ages poorly. The team's first two picks in that class were edge rusher Mykel Williams and defensive tackle Alfred Collins.
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Williams only played in nine games due to injury, and he's still trying to recover this summer. Collins, meanwhile, played in 16 games, but only had one start, and delivered mixed results overall.
Heading into 2026, these two players could be massive X-factors on the defense.
Williams, Collins Need to Make an Impact in 2026
Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus recently published his season preview for the 49ers . Included in the piece was McGuinness's reason for pessimism in 2026, which has to do with Williams and Collins.
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"The 49ers need much more from their first- and second-round picks on the defensive line this season. Mykel Williams played just 385 snaps before suffering a season-ending injury, earning a 54.7 PFF grade and generating only 19 pressures on 245 pass-rushing snaps," McGuinness explained. "Alfred Collins stayed healthy and logged 550 snaps, but his 35.0 PFF grade was tied for the second-lowest among the 94 interior defenders who played at least 300 snaps."
Even when Williams and Collins were on the field, they didn't contribute nearly enough. Collins ranked 123rd out of 134 qualified defensive tackles in 2025, while Williams finished with just one sack.
It also doesn't help that Williams hasn't been involved this summer as he works to recover from his injury. The edge rusher is expected to return soon, but he's missed valuable reps, and he'll have to adjust quickly.
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As a team, the 49ers only collected 20 total sacks in 2025. Of course, having Nick Bosa back will be a big boost, but Bosa can't do it all by himself. Clelin Ferrell and Bryce Huff tied for the team lead in sacks last year, and neither player will be on the team in 2026. There will be plenty of opportunities for Williams, so he has to respond.
Collins is also slated for a big role. The second-year player is penciled in as the starting nose tackle in between C.J. West and Osa Odighizuwa . The 49ers desperately need Collins to perform because a couple of undrafted free agents represent the only depth options.
Williams and Collins were early draft picks, so they need to live up to that. It's hard to compete when you miss on high picks, and Williams and Collins are already on the clock.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
