49ers Bolster Defensive Line with the Selection of Alfred Collins
In a move signaling their commitment to fortifying the defensive front, the San Francisco 49ers have selected Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Alfred Collins with the 43rd overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This selection comes on the heels of the 49ers’ first-round pick, Georgia defensive lineman Mykel Williams, underscoring the team’s focus on injecting youth and talent into their defensive line. Collins, a towering presence at 6-foot-6 and 332 pounds, brings a unique blend of size, strength, and athleticism to the 49ers’ defensive unit.
Collins’ journey to the NFL has been marked by steady growth and impactful performances during his five seasons with the Texas Longhorns. Hailing from Bastrop, Texas, he was a highly touted recruit out of Cedar Creek High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track and field. His impressive high school career, which included 253 total tackles, 74 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks, made him a five-star prospect sought after by numerous top college programs. Ultimately, he chose to stay in his home state and play for the Longhorns, turning down offers from powerhouses like Alabama, Baylor, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M.
During his time in Austin, Collins showcased his versatility along the defensive line, playing in 64 games with 27 starts. While he spent his initial years in a rotational role, learning behind experienced players, his patience and dedication paid off in his senior season. In 2024, Collins started all 16 games for the Longhorns, earning Second-Team All-America honors from the Associated Press and First-Team All-SEC recognition. His impressive senior campaign saw him register 55 total tackles (27 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss, one sack, seven pass breakups, one quarterback hurry, one forced fumble, and even a blocked kick. His consistent performance was a key factor in Texas’s strong defensive showing, as the Longhorns led the FBS in total interceptions (22) and ranked among the top teams nationally in total defense, scoring defense, and red zone defense. Notably, Collins was also named the SEC’s Defensive Lineman of the Week following a dominant performance against Arkansas.
The selection of Collins addresses a significant need for the 49ers, who saw the departure of key defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins during the offseason. These moves left a void in the interior of their defensive line, and the addition of Alfred Collins, along with first-round pick Mykel Williams, signals a clear strategy to rebuild and revitalize this crucial unit. While Williams is known for his pass-rushing prowess off the edge, Collins brings a formidable presence in the interior, particularly as a run defender. His size and length, highlighted by his impressive 34 5/8-inch arms, allow him to occupy blockers, disrupt running lanes, and even impact the passing game with his ability to bat down passes at the line of scrimmage.
In his introductory press conference after being drafted, Collins expressed his excitement to join the 49ers and his eagerness to learn from the established veterans on the team. He acknowledged the high standards of the 49ers’ defense and vowed that the team would not regret their decision to draft him. Collins believes he can play any position along the defensive line, but his physical attributes suggest he will likely be utilized frequently on the interior, especially on early downs to help solidify the 49ers’ run defense, an area where they struggled in the previous season.
Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian lauded Collins for his growth and development during his time with the Longhorns, emphasizing his patience and his ability to seize his opportunities. Sarkisian believes that Collins has only begun to tap into his potential and that his best football is ahead of him. He highlighted Collins’s physicality and his ability to contribute on both early downs as a run stopper and on third downs as a pass rusher.
While Collins’s collegiate sack numbers might not jump off the page (7.5 sacks in five seasons), his disruptive presence and his ability to generate pressure from the interior should not be underestimated. His strength and length can collapse the pocket and force quarterbacks into uncomfortable situations. Moreover, his impressive total tackle and tackle-for-loss numbers indicate his consistent ability to impact plays in the backfield.
The 49ers’ defensive line coach, Kris Kocurek, is known for his intense and demanding coaching style, and Collins expressed his enthusiasm to work with him. He described Kocurek as a personable and business-like coach with high expectations, which Collins seems ready to embrace. Learning from a coach with Kocurek’s track record of developing defensive line talent could be instrumental in Collins reaching his full potential in the NFL.
The 2025 NFL Draft has been considered a strong one for defensive tackles, and Collins was viewed as an under-the-radar prospect with the potential to be a valuable contributor at the next level. His selection in the second round reflects the 49ers’ belief in his talent and his fit within their defensive scheme. He joins a defensive line that already boasts Pro Bowlers like Nick Bosa, and the addition of Collins and Williams creates an exciting blend of established talent and promising young players.
Looking ahead, Collins will likely have the opportunity to contribute early in his rookie season, particularly in run-stopping situations. As he develops his pass-rushing skills at the professional level, he has the potential to become a three-down player for the 49ers. His versatility could also allow the coaching staff to deploy him in various alignments along the defensive line, providing flexibility and depth to the unit.
The San Francisco 49ers have made a clear statement through their early draft picks, prioritizing the reconstruction of their defensive line. By selecting Alfred Collins, they have added a physically imposing and versatile defensive lineman with a track record of consistent production in a major college football program. As Collins transitions to the NFL, his size, strength, and developing skillset offer the 49ers a promising addition to their defensive front as they aim to return to Super Bowl contention.
