The San Francisco 49ers had rookies head to camp on July 15, as veterans will come into the building on July 22nd.
This team is looking to bounce back in 2025 and used the offseason to make additions to the roster. The NFL draft was a major outlet for this team, as they drafted several players who they hope will make an impact immediately.
Obviously, you must temper expectations for rookies, but second-round pick Alfred Collins could quickly become a starter at training camp.
Alfred Collins Could Jump Out as Starter During Training Camp
Collins was selected with the 43rd-overall pick in April. He didn't participate in the offseason program due to a calf injury, but he wasn't placed on the non-football injury list, clearing the way for him to step on the field when training camp starts, according to Matt Maiocco.
He also signed his rookie contract on Wednesday, inking a four-year, $10.3 million deal that featured over $9 million in guarantees.
The 49ers were middle of the pack in terms of run defense last season, ranking 18th in run defense (124.6).
They wanted to get better in that area, and Collins is the perfect addition for that. The Texas native has great power and does a great job being a two-gapper along the interior. He will move blockers and owns "mature play recognition," per Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
In 64 games (28 starts) with the Longhorns, he has registered 142 total tackles, 18 TFLs, 7.5 sacks, 13 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. Collins is listed at 6-foot-6, weighing 332 pounds. He has the size and skillset to be a Day 1 starter at defensive tackle.
San Francisco only has Kevin Givens and Jordan Elliott as veterans ahead of him on the depth chart. Givens has been a career backup during his time with the 49ers, posting 90 total tackles, 18 TFLs, and eight sacks in 65 games over six seasons. As for Elliott, he has more starting experience under his belt.
The 2020 third-round pick has 81 career games (48 starts) with 117 total stops, 10 TFLs, and five sacks. Despite the reps, Givens and Elliott have both recorded a run defense grade of 50 or less in three consecutive seasons.
The 49ers brought Robert Saleh back as defensive coordinator, and this unit will look to get back to its physical ways. Shutting down the run is a big way of achieving that, and Collins is a player who will play a large part in that and will show flashes in training camp.