The San Francisco 49ers have a lot of intriguing players heading into the 2026 season. The team has some key players on both sides of the football, and there are some players who can significantly impact the team with a breakout 2026 season. There are some intriguing players who can change the fate of how the season goes. Let’s take a closer look at who the 49ers’ breakout candidate is, according to one outlet.
Alfred Collins is labeled as a San Francisco 49ers breakout candidate for the 2026 season
May 9, 2025; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers second-round draft pick Alfred Collins (99) watches his teammates work out during the teams rookie minicamp. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
The Athletic’s staff wrote an article regarding the breakout candidates for each team heading into the 2026 Training Camps. Each beat writer chose one player for the team they cover, and San Francisco 49ers’ beat writer wrote about defensive tackle Alfred Collins. Below is why he chose Collins as the breakout candidate for the team:
“His spring was wiped out due to after-season shoulder surgery, but Collins should be back for the beginning of training camp. The 49ers were encouraged by the big man’s rookie campaign, which while not spectacular, did include nearly 500 snaps, four quarterback hits and perhaps San Francisco’s top play of 2025 — Collins’ forced fumble against the Los Angeles Rams on the 1-yard line late in a Week 5 overtime win.
This year he’ll be paired with veteran Osa Odighizuwa, creating a pick-your-poison situation for opposing offensive lines. The 49ers need both Collins and fellow 2025 draft pick Mykel Williams to take big steps forward in their second seasons.”
Alfred Collins had a respectable beginning to his NFL career during his rookie season. In 16 games (one start), he recorded 17 total tackles (four solo, 13 assists) with one tackle for loss, four quarterback hits, two pass deflections, two forced fumbles, and a pair of fumble recoveries. In the postseason, he would record two total tackles in the two games, giving him some valuable experience as well.
Collins is expected to be a starting defensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers this season, pairing with Osa Odighizuwa to keep the opposing offensive guards in check. He should be able to see a lot more snaps in his second season, which will definitely make him a better player who can be a force on the defensive line. It will be intriguing to see if he can live up to the potential in his sophomore season in the NFL.
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