19 days ago
Matthew Stafford calls out issue causing Rams disappointing season appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Rams are 2-4, and ***** ody would've expected that after all the moves they made during the offseason. Their latest loss came from the Arizona Cardinals in the final moments of the game, and that's how they fell to the Buffalo Bills last week on Monday Night Football.
After their loss to the Cardinals, Stafford shared where he felt things went wrong for them in this one.
"They did a good job executing their plan. Had some success a little bit in the second half and had some opportunities to give ourselves a chance there late and didn't come up with it," Stafford said via Mykell Mathieu on X, formerly Twitter.
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#source #arizona
The Los Angeles Rams are 2-4, and ***** ody would've expected that after all the moves they made during the offseason. Their latest loss came from the Arizona Cardinals in the final moments of the game, and that's how they fell to the Buffalo Bills last week on Monday Night Football.
After their loss to the Cardinals, Stafford shared where he felt things went wrong for them in this one.
"They did a good job executing their plan. Had some success a little bit in the second half and had some opportunities to give ourselves a chance there late and didn't come up with it," Stafford said via Mykell Mathieu on X, formerly Twitter.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#source #arizona
2 months ago
The San Francisco 49ers already are dealing with injuries along their defensive front. 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins was expected to play a large role in his second season, but is now out of the season after suffering a torn patellar tendon just days before San Francisco's season opener against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10 in Australia.
As a rookie in 2025, Collins posted 17 tackles, a sack and forced a pair of fumbles. Collins is former second-round pick out of Texas.
Collins' injury puts more pressure on former Georgia Bulldogs first-round pick Mykel Williams to return to action. Williams suffered a torn ACL last season and is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the season. Williams will miss the 49ers first four games of the season.
Williams recorded 20 tackles and one sack in his rookie season (2025) with the 49ers. San Francisco needs him and the defensive front as a whole to be healthy. Coach Kyle Shanahan is hoping to get more production out of Williams in Year 2.
The 49ers will have to find a delicate balance of limiting Williams' snaps to preserve his health while still giving him enough playing time to develop into a defensive force. Williams can return for the 49ers Week 5 game against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
#collins
As a rookie in 2025, Collins posted 17 tackles, a sack and forced a pair of fumbles. Collins is former second-round pick out of Texas.
Collins' injury puts more pressure on former Georgia Bulldogs first-round pick Mykel Williams to return to action. Williams suffered a torn ACL last season and is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the season. Williams will miss the 49ers first four games of the season.
Williams recorded 20 tackles and one sack in his rookie season (2025) with the 49ers. San Francisco needs him and the defensive front as a whole to be healthy. Coach Kyle Shanahan is hoping to get more production out of Williams in Year 2.
The 49ers will have to find a delicate balance of limiting Williams' snaps to preserve his health while still giving him enough playing time to develop into a defensive force. Williams can return for the 49ers Week 5 game against the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
#collins
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2 months ago
The San Francisco 49ers remain a top-10 team, but dropped a spot in ESPN's newest power rankings following the 2026 preseason. The 49ers went from No. 8 to No. 9 after being overtaken by the Baltimore Ravens.
The 49ers have once again been hit hard with injuries before the season even starts. Ricky Pearsall is already out for the year, George Kittle is still working his way back from an Achilles injury, and the receiver room has taken additional hits with ailments to veterans expected to anchor the offense like Mike Evans. That kind of attrition at the skill positions is a real concern heading into Week 1, even if some of the team's top players are looking healthier at this point in the summer.
Beyond the injury list, there's also lingering uncertainty up front. San Francisco's offensive line still has soft spots, especially at left guard, that could be exposed against the more physical fronts in the division. The defense, while solid, doesn't project as an elite unit after finishing with an NFL-worst 20 sacks a year ago. Mykell Williams is on the physically unable to perform list, and Nick Bosa remains a major question mark heading into the season.
This all adds up to a talented but banged-up roster that's now viewed as a tier below the top of a loaded NFC West. The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks rank Nos. 1 and 2 on the ESPN power rankings, respectively, which makes the 49ers path to retaking the division a tall order.
San Francisco reached the divisional round last season despite similar injury issues, showing real resilience, but with the Rams and Seahawks both fortified this offseason, the margin for error just got smaller — and the Niners will need better injury luck than they've had in recent years to keep pace.
#francisco #rankings
The 49ers have once again been hit hard with injuries before the season even starts. Ricky Pearsall is already out for the year, George Kittle is still working his way back from an Achilles injury, and the receiver room has taken additional hits with ailments to veterans expected to anchor the offense like Mike Evans. That kind of attrition at the skill positions is a real concern heading into Week 1, even if some of the team's top players are looking healthier at this point in the summer.
Beyond the injury list, there's also lingering uncertainty up front. San Francisco's offensive line still has soft spots, especially at left guard, that could be exposed against the more physical fronts in the division. The defense, while solid, doesn't project as an elite unit after finishing with an NFL-worst 20 sacks a year ago. Mykell Williams is on the physically unable to perform list, and Nick Bosa remains a major question mark heading into the season.
This all adds up to a talented but banged-up roster that's now viewed as a tier below the top of a loaded NFC West. The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks rank Nos. 1 and 2 on the ESPN power rankings, respectively, which makes the 49ers path to retaking the division a tall order.
San Francisco reached the divisional round last season despite similar injury issues, showing real resilience, but with the Rams and Seahawks both fortified this offseason, the margin for error just got smaller — and the Niners will need better injury luck than they've had in recent years to keep pace.
#francisco #rankings
2 months ago
The Sporting Tribune Today debuted on SportsGrid on Monday, and the biggest story in Los Angeles walked right into it. Mykell Mathieu reported live from Rams practice, where he asked Donald directly. Grant Mona and John Browner handled the other question: where does a team find $20 million on the last day of August?
The Sporting Tribune Today premiered on SportsGrid on Monday morning, and Aaron Donald picked the same day to make his return official — one year, $20 million, back on an NFL field for the first time since 2023.
"That's the sound of a parade," John Browner said. In August.
The most useful twenty minutes of the debut came from Woodland Hills. Rams reporter Mykell Mathieu joined the show live from practice, where he had put the question to Donald himself: why now?
The answer, as Mathieu relayed it, was not about money or legacy. It was about the room. Donald pointed to Myles Garrett and to a defense he described as full of dogs — a group he wanted to be part of badly enough to end a two-year retirement for it.
#tribune #john
The Sporting Tribune Today premiered on SportsGrid on Monday morning, and Aaron Donald picked the same day to make his return official — one year, $20 million, back on an NFL field for the first time since 2023.
"That's the sound of a parade," John Browner said. In August.
The most useful twenty minutes of the debut came from Woodland Hills. Rams reporter Mykell Mathieu joined the show live from practice, where he had put the question to Donald himself: why now?
The answer, as Mathieu relayed it, was not about money or legacy. It was about the room. Donald pointed to Myles Garrett and to a defense he described as full of dogs — a group he wanted to be part of badly enough to end a two-year retirement for it.
#tribune #john
3 months ago
Former Georgia Bulldogs star pass rusher Mykel Williams is recovering from an ACL injury entering his second year in the NFL. Williams is not expected to be ready to return to game action in time for Week 1.
The San Francisco 49ers drafted Williams with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but he suffered a torn ACL midway through his rookie season. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says that Williams is "progressing well", but is a "longshot" to play in Week 1.
Williams posted 20 tackles and one sack in his rookie season with the 49ers. San Francisco needs him to be healthy and is hoping to get more production out of Williams in Year 2. San Francisco suffered an enormous amount of injuries on defense last season, but was still able to make the playoffs. The wheels fell off for the 49ers in a Divisional Round loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
San Francisco needs to have a healthier 2026 season. San Francisco plays in the NFC West, which is arguably the toughest divisions in the NFL, and does not have a ton of margin of error.
Williams has been named as a player that is under pressure to perform this year. The 49ers are hoping Williams will take the next step and boost their pass rush.
#francisco #year #pass #hoping
The San Francisco 49ers drafted Williams with the No. 11 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but he suffered a torn ACL midway through his rookie season. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says that Williams is "progressing well", but is a "longshot" to play in Week 1.
Williams posted 20 tackles and one sack in his rookie season with the 49ers. San Francisco needs him to be healthy and is hoping to get more production out of Williams in Year 2. San Francisco suffered an enormous amount of injuries on defense last season, but was still able to make the playoffs. The wheels fell off for the 49ers in a Divisional Round loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
San Francisco needs to have a healthier 2026 season. San Francisco plays in the NFC West, which is arguably the toughest divisions in the NFL, and does not have a ton of margin of error.
Williams has been named as a player that is under pressure to perform this year. The 49ers are hoping Williams will take the next step and boost their pass rush.
#francisco #year #pass #hoping
3 months ago
There was much made of the San Francisco 49ers' draft strategy in 2026 and from previous drafts. It's clear the 49ers have their own board, which is put together with physical and character traits that are desired by the organization. After one preseason game, the 49ers' rookie class was on display against the ****** ans.
De'Zhaun Stribling was stellar with seven catches. Ephesians Prysock showed off his speed and length at cornerback. Jaden Dugger flashed while playing multiple spots on the defense.
Gracen Halton might have made the biggest impact on Thursday night. The defensive tackle spot has needed an upgrade and now with Osa Odighizuwa and Halton, the team may have found a formidable defensive tackle duo. Unfortunately, Alfred Collins experienced the same issues from last season on Thursday and was routinely moved by Tennessee's offensive line. C.J. West is still recovering from injury.
Halton's explosive first step was the story against Tennessee. On 15 pass rushing snaps, Halton generated a pressure and a QB hurry. However, against the run, Halton looked excellent, registering four defensive stops on 15 run defense snaps. Finishing with the highest run defense grade (75.0), Halton showed potential to be a three-down defensive tackle.
While Romello Height gets most of the attention as a pass rush specialist on obvious passing downs, the rookie struggled a bit. It was ****** umed the third-down package would consist of Nick Bosa, Odighizuwa, Mykel Williams (DT), and Height. It is still one preseason game, but the pass rushing package could be Bosa, Osa, Halton, and Mykel.
#halton #pass #mykel
De'Zhaun Stribling was stellar with seven catches. Ephesians Prysock showed off his speed and length at cornerback. Jaden Dugger flashed while playing multiple spots on the defense.
Gracen Halton might have made the biggest impact on Thursday night. The defensive tackle spot has needed an upgrade and now with Osa Odighizuwa and Halton, the team may have found a formidable defensive tackle duo. Unfortunately, Alfred Collins experienced the same issues from last season on Thursday and was routinely moved by Tennessee's offensive line. C.J. West is still recovering from injury.
Halton's explosive first step was the story against Tennessee. On 15 pass rushing snaps, Halton generated a pressure and a QB hurry. However, against the run, Halton looked excellent, registering four defensive stops on 15 run defense snaps. Finishing with the highest run defense grade (75.0), Halton showed potential to be a three-down defensive tackle.
While Romello Height gets most of the attention as a pass rush specialist on obvious passing downs, the rookie struggled a bit. It was ****** umed the third-down package would consist of Nick Bosa, Odighizuwa, Mykel Williams (DT), and Height. It is still one preseason game, but the pass rushing package could be Bosa, Osa, Halton, and Mykel.
#halton #pass #mykel
3 months ago
The San Francisco 49ers worked out Ogbo Okoronkwo this past Sunday. On Wednesday morning, the team officially reunited Okoronkwo with Raheem Morris.
The former fifth-round pick out of the 2018 NFL Draft has played with some of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL, including Morris, DeMeco Ryans, Jim Schwartz, and Vic Fangio.
Okoronkwo, 31, has been a backup for most of his career. He played sparingly under Morris in the one year they spent together with the Rams. Okoronkwo actually played more in Los Angeles once Morris left. From the 2022 to 2024 seasons, he played around 400 snaps per season.
To date, Okoronkwo's best year came with the Texans in 2022, where he generated a 18.5% pressure rate, had 33 stops, and 5 sacks.
The 49ers are in need of edge rush help after losing a potential depth piece in Mikail Kamara to a torn ACL, Keion White with an adductor injury, and Cameron Sample to a knee injury. Mykel Williams remains on the active/PUP List, while Nick Bosa continues to work his way up to participating in 11-on-11 drills.
#played #best #injury
The former fifth-round pick out of the 2018 NFL Draft has played with some of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL, including Morris, DeMeco Ryans, Jim Schwartz, and Vic Fangio.
Okoronkwo, 31, has been a backup for most of his career. He played sparingly under Morris in the one year they spent together with the Rams. Okoronkwo actually played more in Los Angeles once Morris left. From the 2022 to 2024 seasons, he played around 400 snaps per season.
To date, Okoronkwo's best year came with the Texans in 2022, where he generated a 18.5% pressure rate, had 33 stops, and 5 sacks.
The 49ers are in need of edge rush help after losing a potential depth piece in Mikail Kamara to a torn ACL, Keion White with an adductor injury, and Cameron Sample to a knee injury. Mykel Williams remains on the active/PUP List, while Nick Bosa continues to work his way up to participating in 11-on-11 drills.
#played #best #injury
3 months ago
The San Francisco 49ers have an injury crisis at defensive end and rookie Jaden Dugger may be one of their keys to fixing it.
Injuries on the D-line stabilized a bit Monday with rookie Romello Height back in the mix, but limited reps for Nick Bosa along with absences of Mykel Williams, Cam Sample and Keion White still left the club short at the position.
ESPN's Nick Wagoner pointed out in a post-practice recap that Dugger, a fifth-round rookie linebacker, was getting some individual reps with the edge group.
Spotted during individual drills: LB Jaden Dugger doing some work with the defensive line group. The Niners liked Dugger's versatility coming out and seem to want to explore all the ways that can be used, though it doesn't hurt that they're short on bodies at that spot right now because of injuries.
Dugger throughout his positional change at Louisiana did some work pass rushing off the edge so it's not a completely foreign concept. He also has the measurables to play DE in the NFL. He measured in at 6-4, 240 pounds with 35-inch arms and a wingspan wider than seven feet. He started his college career as a safety before moving to linebacker where he's expected to play in San Francisco. However, without a starting linebacker spot vacant, there's an opening for Dugger to carve out a short-term role on the edge if he gets more opportunities to step in while the team struggles with injuries.
#rookie
Injuries on the D-line stabilized a bit Monday with rookie Romello Height back in the mix, but limited reps for Nick Bosa along with absences of Mykel Williams, Cam Sample and Keion White still left the club short at the position.
ESPN's Nick Wagoner pointed out in a post-practice recap that Dugger, a fifth-round rookie linebacker, was getting some individual reps with the edge group.
Spotted during individual drills: LB Jaden Dugger doing some work with the defensive line group. The Niners liked Dugger's versatility coming out and seem to want to explore all the ways that can be used, though it doesn't hurt that they're short on bodies at that spot right now because of injuries.
Dugger throughout his positional change at Louisiana did some work pass rushing off the edge so it's not a completely foreign concept. He also has the measurables to play DE in the NFL. He measured in at 6-4, 240 pounds with 35-inch arms and a wingspan wider than seven feet. He started his college career as a safety before moving to linebacker where he's expected to play in San Francisco. However, without a starting linebacker spot vacant, there's an opening for Dugger to carve out a short-term role on the edge if he gets more opportunities to step in while the team struggles with injuries.
#rookie
3 months ago
The San Francisco 49ers are putting the pads on in full for the first time on Friday. Defensive tackle Alfred Collins will take part, as he's recovered from shoulder surgery. Last Saturday, John Lynch anticipated Collins returning in the second window as long as Collins hit the markers he needed to return, which he apparently did.
The 49ers need Collins to take a second-year jump, especially with Mykel Williams still on the Active/PUP. Collins is a former top-50 pick. He was a dominant run defender as a rookie. That'll go a long way for the 49ers, who need to get to passing downs.
Still, with Garcen Halton dealing with a bone bruise, the interior pass rush took a hit. The 49ers could use Keion White in that role, but Collins needs to bring something to the table as a pass rusher. That was not a strength as a rookie.
He had a pressure rate under 4% and only batted one pass. If you're not going to push the pocket, at least get your hand up in a throwing window. We'll see if Collins can change that in 2026.
#francisco
The 49ers need Collins to take a second-year jump, especially with Mykel Williams still on the Active/PUP. Collins is a former top-50 pick. He was a dominant run defender as a rookie. That'll go a long way for the 49ers, who need to get to passing downs.
Still, with Garcen Halton dealing with a bone bruise, the interior pass rush took a hit. The 49ers could use Keion White in that role, but Collins needs to bring something to the table as a pass rusher. That was not a strength as a rookie.
He had a pressure rate under 4% and only batted one pass. If you're not going to push the pocket, at least get your hand up in a throwing window. We'll see if Collins can change that in 2026.
#francisco
3 months ago
After they were knocked out in the wild-card round of the postseason, the San Francisco 49ers have added some real difference-makers on both sides of the ball over the last few months.
While their roster is better than it was at the end of the year, they could still bring in talented players who could help take them to the next level. On Monday, a new name hit the market, as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Vita Vea requested a trade.
Every team in the league could benefit from adding a player like Vea, but former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho believes that Vea landing in San Francisco would make them legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
"If the Niners get Vita Vea. It's time to usher them back into the conversations. We've ushered the Rams into the Seahawks, as reigning champs, into the Philadelphia Eagles, they always stay in those conversations," Acho said on his "Speakeasy" podcast. "Because you got to think about what the Niners are building this offseason. I would suggest the Niners have had quietly, maybe the best offseason in all of football. You bring Dre Greenlaw back. I love the Niners linebacking core greater than any other linebacking core now. Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw. You go get Oso Odighizuwa. I believe that he is perfectly situated now to start at defensive tackle. Alfred Collins continuing to ascend. You forgot about Mykel Williams, first-round pick from last year because of the injury. Nick Bosa looks as good as ever.
"Now, if you can get Vita Vea, now think about the depth. Now, you're rotating three defensive tackles... I think if you bring in Vita Vea, now, that run defense, which was so porous last year, instantly becomes a strong suit. I think the secondary has questions. Outside of D-Mo (Deommodore Lenoir), everybody's got questions about that secondary. Is it Ji'Ayir Brown? Is it (Malik) Mustapha? But if you get somebody as stout as Vita Veya up front, playing next to Alfred Collins with Oso Odighizuwa rotating in, plus Nick Bosa on the outside, plus you got Mykel Williams on the outside, plus you got Romello Height. I just think that is an incredible formidable front in that front seven."
#niners #defensive #plus
While their roster is better than it was at the end of the year, they could still bring in talented players who could help take them to the next level. On Monday, a new name hit the market, as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Vita Vea requested a trade.
Every team in the league could benefit from adding a player like Vea, but former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho believes that Vea landing in San Francisco would make them legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
"If the Niners get Vita Vea. It's time to usher them back into the conversations. We've ushered the Rams into the Seahawks, as reigning champs, into the Philadelphia Eagles, they always stay in those conversations," Acho said on his "Speakeasy" podcast. "Because you got to think about what the Niners are building this offseason. I would suggest the Niners have had quietly, maybe the best offseason in all of football. You bring Dre Greenlaw back. I love the Niners linebacking core greater than any other linebacking core now. Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw. You go get Oso Odighizuwa. I believe that he is perfectly situated now to start at defensive tackle. Alfred Collins continuing to ascend. You forgot about Mykel Williams, first-round pick from last year because of the injury. Nick Bosa looks as good as ever.
"Now, if you can get Vita Vea, now think about the depth. Now, you're rotating three defensive tackles... I think if you bring in Vita Vea, now, that run defense, which was so porous last year, instantly becomes a strong suit. I think the secondary has questions. Outside of D-Mo (Deommodore Lenoir), everybody's got questions about that secondary. Is it Ji'Ayir Brown? Is it (Malik) Mustapha? But if you get somebody as stout as Vita Veya up front, playing next to Alfred Collins with Oso Odighizuwa rotating in, plus Nick Bosa on the outside, plus you got Mykel Williams on the outside, plus you got Romello Height. I just think that is an incredible formidable front in that front seven."
#niners #defensive #plus
4 months ago
It's pretty well documented that the San Francisco 49ers' recent first-round draft history isn't good. But a recent ranking by CBS Sports showcased just how awful the picks under John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan have been since 2000.
Mike Renner ranked all 191 first-round picks over the past six years, factoring in draft capital and the players available rather than pure talent evaluation. San Francisco's five picks over that span landed at No. 43 (Brandon Aiyuk, 2020), No. 95 (Ricky Pearsall, 2024), No. 133 (Javon Kinlaw, 2020), No. 135 (Mykel Williams, 2025) and dead last at No. 191 (Trey Lance, 2021). That works out to one top-third pick, one middle-third pick and three in the bottom third — including the single worst decision of the entire six-year sample.
Renner didn't hold back on the Lance pick, which cost the 49ers a 2021 first-rounder, 2022 first- and third-round picks and a 2023 first-rounder to move up for:
There's no telling what a team that went to the NFC Championship Game in 2022 and the Super Bowl in 2023 could have done if it had used its 2021 first-round pick, 2022 first- and third-round picks and 2023 first-round pick differently.
What's worse is the 49ers' "best" first-round pick is Aiyuk, who could be done in the NFL after his recent offseason social media firestorm. Pearsall has been injury-prone over his two seasons, Williams is coming off an ACL injury and Kinlaw hasn't been on the team since 2024
#pick
Mike Renner ranked all 191 first-round picks over the past six years, factoring in draft capital and the players available rather than pure talent evaluation. San Francisco's five picks over that span landed at No. 43 (Brandon Aiyuk, 2020), No. 95 (Ricky Pearsall, 2024), No. 133 (Javon Kinlaw, 2020), No. 135 (Mykel Williams, 2025) and dead last at No. 191 (Trey Lance, 2021). That works out to one top-third pick, one middle-third pick and three in the bottom third — including the single worst decision of the entire six-year sample.
Renner didn't hold back on the Lance pick, which cost the 49ers a 2021 first-rounder, 2022 first- and third-round picks and a 2023 first-rounder to move up for:
There's no telling what a team that went to the NFC Championship Game in 2022 and the Super Bowl in 2023 could have done if it had used its 2021 first-round pick, 2022 first- and third-round picks and 2023 first-round pick differently.
What's worse is the 49ers' "best" first-round pick is Aiyuk, who could be done in the NFL after his recent offseason social media firestorm. Pearsall has been injury-prone over his two seasons, Williams is coming off an ACL injury and Kinlaw hasn't been on the team since 2024
#pick
4 months ago
The San Francisco 49ers have built one of the league's most experienced rosters, for better or worse.
San Francisco has the NFL's second-oldest roster and, unfortunately, doesn't have much young talent from recent drafts. That approach shows up in ESPN's latest ranking of NFL teams' under-25 talent, where the 49ers checked in at No. 27. The rankings weigh starts and snaps from players under 25, age-adjusted quality of play with extra credit for Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods, contract value and length, positional importance, recent draft capital, projected 2026 depth charts and injury availability.
While drafting is an issue as well, the biggest reason for the 49ers' ranking is injuries, according to ESPN's Aaron Schatz.
Injuries led to playing time for a lot of the youth in San Francisco last season, as six different players currently under 25 started at least six games.
Edge rusher Mykel Williams, the 49ers' only blue chip on the list, turned 22 in June after a rookie season as a first-round pick. He missed most of the year with an ACL injury, though. Beyond him, the under-25 contributors are largely late-round or middle-round finds forced into duty by attrition: safeties Malik Mustapha and Marques Sigle, nickelback Upton Stout and defensive tackle Alfred Collins are all 24, while left guard hopefuls Connor Colby (23) and Carver Willis (24) will compete in camp.
#round #injuries #players
San Francisco has the NFL's second-oldest roster and, unfortunately, doesn't have much young talent from recent drafts. That approach shows up in ESPN's latest ranking of NFL teams' under-25 talent, where the 49ers checked in at No. 27. The rankings weigh starts and snaps from players under 25, age-adjusted quality of play with extra credit for Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods, contract value and length, positional importance, recent draft capital, projected 2026 depth charts and injury availability.
While drafting is an issue as well, the biggest reason for the 49ers' ranking is injuries, according to ESPN's Aaron Schatz.
Injuries led to playing time for a lot of the youth in San Francisco last season, as six different players currently under 25 started at least six games.
Edge rusher Mykel Williams, the 49ers' only blue chip on the list, turned 22 in June after a rookie season as a first-round pick. He missed most of the year with an ACL injury, though. Beyond him, the under-25 contributors are largely late-round or middle-round finds forced into duty by attrition: safeties Malik Mustapha and Marques Sigle, nickelback Upton Stout and defensive tackle Alfred Collins are all 24, while left guard hopefuls Connor Colby (23) and Carver Willis (24) will compete in camp.
#round #injuries #players
4 months ago
Former Georgia Bulldogs first-round 2025 NFL draft pick Mykel Williams is under pressure to perform in his second year in the NFL. The San Francisco 49ers drafted Williams with the No. 11 pick in the draft, but he suffered a torn ACL midway through his rookie season.
Williams posted 20 tackles and one sack as a rookie with the 49ers, who need him to improve in Year 2 even though Williams is coming off a significant injury. San Francisco suffered an enormous amount of injuries on defense last season and needs to have a healthier 2026 season.
Pro Football Focus names Williams as one of their 10 second year players under the most pressure to perform. Williams is a former first-round pick, so he has high expectations. PFF's Bradley Locker adds that San Francisco is hoping Williams will "boost a unit that placed 25th in PFF pass-rushing grade" last season.
The 49ers are counting on Williams to take on a larger role and to be available to play. Williams is a strong run defender and will be needed as San Francisco tries to battle in the NFC West, which is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.
Last season, San Francisco made the playoffs, but their injuries proved too much to overcome. The division rival Seattle Seahawks demolished the 49ers in the Divisional Round and beat the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship en route to a Super Bowl ****** le.
Williams posted 20 tackles and one sack as a rookie with the 49ers, who need him to improve in Year 2 even though Williams is coming off a significant injury. San Francisco suffered an enormous amount of injuries on defense last season and needs to have a healthier 2026 season.
Pro Football Focus names Williams as one of their 10 second year players under the most pressure to perform. Williams is a former first-round pick, so he has high expectations. PFF's Bradley Locker adds that San Francisco is hoping Williams will "boost a unit that placed 25th in PFF pass-rushing grade" last season.
The 49ers are counting on Williams to take on a larger role and to be available to play. Williams is a strong run defender and will be needed as San Francisco tries to battle in the NFC West, which is one of the toughest divisions in the NFL.
Last season, San Francisco made the playoffs, but their injuries proved too much to overcome. The division rival Seattle Seahawks demolished the 49ers in the Divisional Round and beat the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC championship en route to a Super Bowl ****** le.
4 months ago
The San Francisco 49ers officially closed the book on their rookie contract negotiations, announcing that they have signed their final remaining unsigned draft pick, edge rusher Romello Height, to his four-year rookie deal.
The team confirmed the transaction on Monday, fully securing the contract for the 70th overall pick from the 2026 NFL Draft. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Height's rookie contract is a four-year agreement worth approximately $7.29 million, which includes an estimated signing bonus of $1.76 million.
Height, a 6-foot-3, 239-pound pass rusher, enters a 49ers defensive line room that is determined to revitalize its edge presence. After a challenging, injury-plagued season where the defense struggled to generate consistent pressure, adding explosive depth was a clear offseason priority for general manager John Lynch. Height will join Nick Bosa and 2025 first-round pick Mykell Williams, both of whom are recovering from season-ending ACL injuries.
The 25-year-old rookie brings an extensive, well-traveled collegiate resume to Santa Clara. Over a six-year college career that included stints at Auburn, USC, and Georgia Tech, Height saved his absolute best for last after transferring to Texas Tech. During his 2025 breakout campaign with the Red Raiders, he started all 14 games, racking up 38 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and a team-high 9.5 sacks on his way to earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors.
With his rookie contract officially signed and the paperwork out of the way, Height can shift his entire focus toward training camp, where he will look to translate his collegiate pass-rushing production into the 49ers' rotation.
The team confirmed the transaction on Monday, fully securing the contract for the 70th overall pick from the 2026 NFL Draft. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Height's rookie contract is a four-year agreement worth approximately $7.29 million, which includes an estimated signing bonus of $1.76 million.
Height, a 6-foot-3, 239-pound pass rusher, enters a 49ers defensive line room that is determined to revitalize its edge presence. After a challenging, injury-plagued season where the defense struggled to generate consistent pressure, adding explosive depth was a clear offseason priority for general manager John Lynch. Height will join Nick Bosa and 2025 first-round pick Mykell Williams, both of whom are recovering from season-ending ACL injuries.
The 25-year-old rookie brings an extensive, well-traveled collegiate resume to Santa Clara. Over a six-year college career that included stints at Auburn, USC, and Georgia Tech, Height saved his absolute best for last after transferring to Texas Tech. During his 2025 breakout campaign with the Red Raiders, he started all 14 games, racking up 38 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and a team-high 9.5 sacks on his way to earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors.
With his rookie contract officially signed and the paperwork out of the way, Height can shift his entire focus toward training camp, where he will look to translate his collegiate pass-rushing production into the 49ers' rotation.
4 months ago
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 offseason with one of the best rosters built for another championship run.
But ****** ysts are quick to point out one glaring vulnerability that could sabotage their aspirations. To return to standard-bearing dominance, San Francisco must first solve its self-inflicted defensive crisis up front, says ESPN's Nick Wagoner.
Until proved otherwise: the pass rush and, by extension, the defense. In 2025, San Francisco finished last in the league in sacks (20), 31st in pressures (157) and 29th in pass rush win rate (29.2%). ... The pass rush is the key to unlocking it all, and if that group can take a step in the right direction, the 49ers should be much better defensively in 2026.
While those numbers are jarring for a franchise built on defensive line supremacy, context offers an immediate glimmer of hope. The Niners should be much improved simply by getting defensive ends Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams back from torn ACLs. Bosa projects to return at the beginning of training camp or soon after. Williams might be a bit further behind, but also has a chance to get back early in the season.
Just as important, the Niners added defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa via a trade with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason and drafted rookie Romello Height. Odighizuwa should be the best interior pass rusher the team has had since Arik Armstead's departure, bringing with him a 10% pass rush win rate that ranked ninth among defensive tackles in 2025 as well as 17.5 career sacks and 81 career quarterback hits. Height had 10 sacks at Texas Tech this past year.
But ****** ysts are quick to point out one glaring vulnerability that could sabotage their aspirations. To return to standard-bearing dominance, San Francisco must first solve its self-inflicted defensive crisis up front, says ESPN's Nick Wagoner.
Until proved otherwise: the pass rush and, by extension, the defense. In 2025, San Francisco finished last in the league in sacks (20), 31st in pressures (157) and 29th in pass rush win rate (29.2%). ... The pass rush is the key to unlocking it all, and if that group can take a step in the right direction, the 49ers should be much better defensively in 2026.
While those numbers are jarring for a franchise built on defensive line supremacy, context offers an immediate glimmer of hope. The Niners should be much improved simply by getting defensive ends Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams back from torn ACLs. Bosa projects to return at the beginning of training camp or soon after. Williams might be a bit further behind, but also has a chance to get back early in the season.
Just as important, the Niners added defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa via a trade with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason and drafted rookie Romello Height. Odighizuwa should be the best interior pass rusher the team has had since Arik Armstead's departure, bringing with him a 10% pass rush win rate that ranked ninth among defensive tackles in 2025 as well as 17.5 career sacks and 81 career quarterback hits. Height had 10 sacks at Texas Tech this past year.
5 months ago
San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Alfred Collins played in 16 games as a rookie, but the 2025 second-rounder needs to prove in his second season that he was worth the investment.
Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon named Collins as the 49ers' most important second-year player heading into the 2026 season because of the injuries to the defensive line. Collins has to step up and develop into an every-down player for the 49ers, with 2025 starters Kalia Davis and Jordan Elliott both gone.
No. 11 overall pick Mykel Williams probably comes to mind first, but he'll be hard-pressed to make an early impact coming off a torn ACL. Combine that with the fact Nick Bosa is also recovering from the same injury, and you can see why so much could fall on Collins—the team's second-rounder—to hold down the fort up front alongside newcomer Osa Odighizuwa.
Collins started one of his 16 games as a rookie, finishing with one sack, 17 combined tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. The turnover production stood out for an interior defender still working into a larger role, and it's part of why San Francisco may lean on him more heavily in Year 2. But that overall production simply isn't going to cut it on a defense that needs more stops in 2026.
With Williams and Bosa both working back from torn ACLs, the 49ers' edge rush is facing real uncertainty to start the season. That puts added weight on the interior of the defensive line, where Collins is expected to pair with offseason addition Odighizuwa to anchor the run defense and provide interior pressure while the team's top edge talent recovers.
Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon named Collins as the 49ers' most important second-year player heading into the 2026 season because of the injuries to the defensive line. Collins has to step up and develop into an every-down player for the 49ers, with 2025 starters Kalia Davis and Jordan Elliott both gone.
No. 11 overall pick Mykel Williams probably comes to mind first, but he'll be hard-pressed to make an early impact coming off a torn ACL. Combine that with the fact Nick Bosa is also recovering from the same injury, and you can see why so much could fall on Collins—the team's second-rounder—to hold down the fort up front alongside newcomer Osa Odighizuwa.
Collins started one of his 16 games as a rookie, finishing with one sack, 17 combined tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. The turnover production stood out for an interior defender still working into a larger role, and it's part of why San Francisco may lean on him more heavily in Year 2. But that overall production simply isn't going to cut it on a defense that needs more stops in 2026.
With Williams and Bosa both working back from torn ACLs, the 49ers' edge rush is facing real uncertainty to start the season. That puts added weight on the interior of the defensive line, where Collins is expected to pair with offseason addition Odighizuwa to anchor the run defense and provide interior pressure while the team's top edge talent recovers.
5 months ago
George Kittle is at the World Cup, and he noticed something.
Attending a match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Kittle took to X to share his thoughts on the playing surface:
Your first guess might be that this is a jab at Levi’s Stadium. The field has been re-sodded repeatedly over the years, players have complained about divots flying up mid-play, and Denver Broncos players called the surface “terrible” after Super Bowl 50. It got much better as time went on, thankfully.
Kittle has been positive about the surface at Levi’s. He has also been one of the louder voices on the subject of NFL playing surfaces. Back in 2022, Kittle made a point after an injury-marred victory over the Carolina Panthers, saying, “I’d much rather play on grass. That’s why I love Jed York. We have the nicest grass in the NFL.”
SoFi has turf. And Kittle’s recent post could be less on his home field and more on the teams that play on turf year-round. MetLife Stadium, which has claimed a number of 49ers players with its turf (including Mykel Williams in 2025), is one place where a grass surface could reduce the risk of injury.
Attending a match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Kittle took to X to share his thoughts on the playing surface:
Your first guess might be that this is a jab at Levi’s Stadium. The field has been re-sodded repeatedly over the years, players have complained about divots flying up mid-play, and Denver Broncos players called the surface “terrible” after Super Bowl 50. It got much better as time went on, thankfully.
Kittle has been positive about the surface at Levi’s. He has also been one of the louder voices on the subject of NFL playing surfaces. Back in 2022, Kittle made a point after an injury-marred victory over the Carolina Panthers, saying, “I’d much rather play on grass. That’s why I love Jed York. We have the nicest grass in the NFL.”
SoFi has turf. And Kittle’s recent post could be less on his home field and more on the teams that play on turf year-round. MetLife Stadium, which has claimed a number of 49ers players with its turf (including Mykel Williams in 2025), is one place where a grass surface could reduce the risk of injury.
