While Pro Football Focus (PFF) analyst Trevor Sikkema wasn't overly impressed with the San Francisco 49ers' latest draft class, one selection did stand out to him. Sikkema named Indiana defensive tackle CJ West as his favorite pick by general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan.

"I think they got very good value with West in the fourth round," Sikkema wrote. "He will aid a team that needed to get much stronger up front in the trenches against the run, as he posted an 88.1 PFF run-defense grade in 2024."


The 49ers struggled to stop the run last season. As a unit, their defense earned a lackluster 54.6 run-defense grade from PFF, ranking 28th in the NFL. They allowed 124.6 rushing yards per game (18th in the league), and their 24 rushing touchdowns allowed trailed only the Dallas Cowboys, who gave up 25.

Before transferring from Kent State to Indiana, West also posted an impressive 84.5 run-defense grade in 2023.

West (6-2, 330) wrapped up his college career with 150 total tackles (27 for loss), nine sacks, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, per Sports Reference.

PFF was among the most critical of the 49ers' overall draft, handing the team a "D" grade and questioning their value and roster fit approach.

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