49ers NFL draft rewind: San Francisco bolsters DL with CJ West
Monday was the 49ers' first padded practice and one of the surprise standouts was fourth-round draft pick CJ West, a defensive tackle out of Indiana.
The 6-foot-1, 316-pound defensive tackle impressed in reps against Dominick Puni, Matt Hennessy, Zack Johnson, Drew Moss and Connor Colby on Monday. West began his collegiate career at Kent State, but he finished up as part of the Hoosiers' magical 2024 college football season.
West earned honorable mention All-Big Ten status at Indiana as he racked up 42 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one pass breakup in 13 games and 10 starts during the 2024 campaign.
With West starting to generate some headlines, let's examine what West brings to the table in San Francisco and also what the 49ers have said about him thus far.
San Francisco 49ers DT CJ West
Stats: 150 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 passes defensed in 52 games
What the 49ers said after drafting CJ West
49ers general manager John Lynch shared why San Francisco scooped West up with the 113th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
"Adding another guy to the mix in CJ. We had some departures this offseason, and we felt it was important to restock, and not just with guys, we wanted to put guys that fit our vision for what we want that room to be. CJ, I think, if we're talking about him, is stout, sturdy, but also has the quickness and strength to play in the other team's backfield. Makes a lot of splash plays in the other team's backfield.
"I had the chance to watch him live this year when we went back to Ohio State, Indiana was there, made an impression in that game. But more so his film, his body of work has really stood out, and we just felt was a really good fit. Another add to the D-line we're building," Lynch said.
CJ West comments on joining the 49ers
After West learned his draft fate, he was asked if he envisioned himself as a nose tackle or a three-technique.
"I'm multiple. I can do it everywhere. But my bread and butter is at the one-technique. That's where I just abuse centers, punch them in the face, be as violent as possible, just creating havoc down there in the middle," West said.
The Hoosier product also shared which NFL defensive tackles he's modeled his game after.
"Actually, he used to play for the 49ers. Akiem Hicks is one of the guys that I watched a ton growing up, he played for the Bears as well. His violence at the one-tech, the things he used to do, just taking on blocks. And I watched a lot of Maliek Collins as well, he just departed from the 49ers not too long ago.
"He kind of, see his pass-rush game, he had a nasty spin move that he used to do. And just kind of mimic those things and work on that as this draft process has been going on. And I also watch a lot of Grady Jarrett. Of course, Aaron Donald, everybody watches Aaron Donald, one of the greatest of all time. But yeah, I watch a lot of players," West said.
West revisited his interactions with defensive coordinator Robert Saleh and defensive line coach Kris Kocurek throughout the draft process.
"Oh, it was great. They're coaches that really know what they're doing and they also have passion for the game. You could just see it in the way they talk. When I was on the phone with them, you just see it in the way they talk, the way they coach.
"And that's the type of coaching style that I love. That's the type of coaching I want to be in. And that's the program and culture that I want to be in as well. So, I'm excited to get to work. I can't wait," West said.
49ers training camp update
After the 49ers' first padded practice, Saleh commented on his early impressions of West.
"Yeah. I mean, he's like a little fire hydrant, right? But, he's powerful. He's got heavy hands. He's going to be fine. He's like a lot of rookies, there are so many things that they're learning, especially on the interior of the D-Line where it's a game within a game.
"You know, the first thing they learn is pocket push and then they learn how to capture an edge and rush from there. I wasn't there. I heard he did a really nice job over there, but I'm excited to get to the tape to see it," Saleh said.
More 49ers: Return to training camp vital for 49ers potential breakout star
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