The San Francisco 49ers defense is expected to heavily rely on rookies in 2025. Spending their top five draft picks on defensive players, including DL Mykel Williams, DL Alfred Collins, and LB Nick Martins, was needed.
Returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh got his first look at some of their young talent in Saturday’s preseason debut.
Facing off against Denver was somewhat ironic with Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga suiting up on the other side.
Greenlaw’s free agency departure opened up a hole alongside Warner. Many speculated whether Oklahoma State rookie Nick Martin could win the competition.
But, most of their first-team repetitions have gone to third-year linebacker Dee Winters.
Preseason game one against the Broncos showed some of the growing pains that come with rookies.
Martin missed a couple of tackles during his snaps, which didn’t concern Saleh.
“It was his first real live action in over a year and a half, so we’re not concerned with some of those missed tackles,” he told reporters in Santa Clara. “I think we’ll get those cleaned up.”
Addressing Martin’s overall progression up to this point, San Francisco’s coordinator believes Martin is “doing a good job.”
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“He’s a big-time running hit linebacker, so he just has to learn how to control himself at the tackle point and come together,” he continued.
“It’s getting his feet underneath him and just getting his body on the ball carrier until the speed of the game catches up to him.”
Saleh pointed out Martin wasn’t the only 49er to have an unideal start to their preseason.
“You just put it to the side and find a way to get better,” he said. “He’s going to have another opportunity to do that against Vegas.”
Possessing range, speed, and a “violent mindset” is right up San Francisco’s alley, but the Oklahoma State product still has a way to progress before being starter caliber.
Which is no knock on the 75th overall pick, who has the tools to develop into an important cog of their defense.
The 49ers could use that sooner rather than later, but every rookie has a different learning curve in the NFL.
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Robert Saleh has returned to his role as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator, but the roster has been shaken up in the three years he was leading the New York Jets.
Heading into 2025, he’s expected to have a heavy reliance on rookies. 49ers’ general manager John Lynch spent their first five selections in the 2025 NFL Draft on defense.
First-round edge rusher Mykel Williams (No. 11) is the obvious highlight, but Saleh highlighted the importance of last week’s preseason debut as a “really good step” for another rookie lineman.
“I felt like Alfred [Collins] took a really good step in the game,” Saleh told reporters in Santa Clara on Monday. Defensive tackle Collins was San Francisco’s second-round selection.
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Robert Saleh says 49ers rookie “took a really good step” in preseason debut
Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule
Preseason
Saturday, August 16th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 1:00 PM PT
Saturday, August 23rd – vs. Los Angeles Chargers – 5:30 PM PT
Regular Season
Sunday, September 7th – @ Seattle Seahawks – 1:05 PM PT *Season opener*
Sunday, September 14th – @ New Orleans Saints – 10:00 AM PT
Sunday, September 21st – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:25 PM PT
Sunday, September 28th – vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – 1:05 PM PT
Thursday, October 2nd – @ Los Angeles Rams – 5:15 PM PT
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