One rookie, however, stood out more than the rest to former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who is now the head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
Speaking with Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area at the American Century Championship golf tournament in South Lake Tahoe, Saleh identified second-round defensive tackle Alfred Collins as the biggest surprise from the 49ers' rookie class.
"Alfred, I know he was a second-round pick and all, but he's still probably the biggest surprise to me in terms of just how much better he got from training camp, and as the season went on," Saleh said. "I really think he's going to be special. His mindset to get better, his work ethic, he's only going to get better. And when it triggers for him, he's going to be a bear to stop."
Although Collins showed flashes during his rookie campaign, he and fellow first-year defensive tackle CJ West tied for the team's lowest overall Pro Football Focus defensive grade (35.0). Both players have plenty of room to grow, and Saleh is confident they will continue to develop.
Saleh also expressed disappointment that first-round pick Mykel Williams' rookie season was cut short by an ACL injury. However, he had high praise for two other first-year defenders—cornerback Upton Stout and safety Marques Sigle.
"Upton is going to be an elite corner in this league," Saleh predicted. "Hair-trigger, violent. I mean, he made tackles last year on tight ends that guys his size aren't supposed to make. And it's like he didn't even flinch—just a relentless mindset.
"Same thing, Sigle's going to have a hell of a career. Just all the way across the board, I thought the entire defensive class last year, every single one of them, is going to be a mainstay in the NFL."
Saleh's comments are an encouraging sign that the young 49ers defensive class might form the foundation of the team's defense for years to come.
You can watch Saleh's full interview below.
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