Why the hype around the 49ers’ defense?
Santa Clara expects a return to form for the 49ers' defense, but is it warranted?
“Violence is coming.” That’s what San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle had to say on the Rich Eisen show about the return of Robert Saleh, the defensive coordinator for the 49ers from 2017-2021 and now once again. Is the return of Saleh going to be enough to help the 49ers overcome a 29th-ranked defensive finish in 2024? Or will the loss of Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, and Charvarius Ward haunt them as the young guys find their footing in the NFL? Let’s break it down.
Coming off an almost four-year bout with the New York Jets, Saleh looks to get back to what he does best: building a league-leading defense that brings intensity, violence, and no mercy for opposing quarterbacks. There is little doubt in his ability to lead a defense, and with guys like defensive captains Nick Bosa and Fred Warner at his disposal, we can start to see where the hype is coming from.
Speaking of the captains, the 49ers have started to build an Avengers-like defense. Let’s start with the trenches, led by former DPOY and five-time Pro Bowl selection Nick Bosa. Bosa has been a workhorse, averaging 12.7 sacks per season since being drafted in 2019. This year, he will look to enter the leader role, with rookies DE Mykel Williams, a defensive standout from Georgia selected 11th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, and DT CJ West, a 6 '1, 315lb run-stuffer out of Indiana selected 113th overall, joining the force. The 49ers also tried their hand at a trade this off-season, adding former Jets and Eagles DE Bryce Huff. Huff is only 27 years old, and with a less impressive stint with the Eagles, he had his best year under, you guessed it, Robert Saleh in 2023. Huff recorded 10 sacks, 29 total tackles, 21 QB hits, and 68 pressures in 2023, which ultimately earned him a free-agent deal with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Now let's talk about the guys who have their back. With a linebacker group led by All-Pro Fred Warner and a secondary led by fourth-year corner Deommodore Lenoir, there is plenty to be excited about. Both Warner and Lenoir earned their respective contract extensions this past year, Warner on his third contract with the 49ers, signed a three-year, $63 million extension this off-season. Lenoir was locked up a little sooner, signing his first contract extension with the team during the season, worth $92 million, putting him on the list of highest paid corners in the league.
Both groups have promising talent, highlighted by Dee Winters, Renardo Green, Malik Mustapha, and rookies Upton Stout and Nick Martin. Winters, a third-year back out of TCU, looks to capitalize on a strong camp and make his case as LB2. With the departure of Dre Greenlaw, the 49ers need an energy-matcher opposite Warner, and Winters has fit the mold thus far in the off-season.
Now that’s not to be taken as gospel, as rookie Nick Martin, who some have said is a “Greenlaw clone”, will be making his case when the pads come on in July. Drafted 75th overall in this past-years draft out of Oklahoma State, Martin is known for his downhill speed, lane-stuffing, and overall athleticism and aggression.
Again, the secondary took some blows this off-season. However, with the rise of Renardo Green and Malik Mustapha, it may not be as big of a blow as once thought. Green, a second-year back out of Florida State, looks to capitalize on a promising rookie season. Green faces the challenge of adjusting to a new system. However, with the raw talent he holds, I believe he will find his footing and be a force to be reckoned with this season. Another huge bright spot we saw last season was the emergence of second-year safety Malik Mustapha. Earning praise from opposing wide receivers, Mustapha plays fast, hard, and aggressive.
Although an ACL injury will likely keep him sidelined to begin the 2025 season, the return of Mustapha must not be taken lightly. He is a spark that the 49ers will definitely need this season, as they look to transform the look of their defense as a whole.
There are plenty of potential drawbacks to the youth and inexperience at the core of this 49ers defense. However, they’re surrounded by a pair of elite talents, and enter the league in a defense known for putting players in the best position possible. Robert Saleh’s return alone does a lot for this unit, but the upside of key players alludes to this defense returning to former glory.