Robert Saleh Believes Alfred Collins Is Ready for a Breakout With the 49ers
Former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is confident the team’s young defensive line is poised to take a major step forward, with second-year defensive tackle Alfred Collins standing out as a potential breakout performer.
Speaking with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco during the American Century Championship golf tournament, Saleh reflected on the development of San Francisco’s 2025 rookie class and praised Collins for exceeding expectations throughout his first NFL season.
Although the 49ers invested heavily in rebuilding their defensive front by selecting Mykel Williams in the first round, Alfred Collins in the second, and CJ West in the fourth, Saleh admitted Collins emerged as the biggest surprise of the group.
“It’s a shame Mykel’s season got cut short. Really excited for CJ West and his development, even Alfred,” Saleh said. “Like Alfred, I know he was a second-round pick and all, but he’s still probably the biggest surprise to me in terms of just how much better he got from training camp.”
Collins entered the league with a reputation as a strong run defender and steadily earned a larger role during his rookie campaign. He finished the 2025 season with 17 tackles, four tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, and one sack while appearing in 16 games. One of his biggest moments came in a Week 5 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Rams when he forced a crucial goal-line fumble.
Saleh believes Collins is only scratching the surface of his potential.
“As the season went on, I really think he’s going to be special,” Saleh said. “His mindset to get better, his work ethic, he’s only going to get better. And when it triggers for him, he’s going to be a bear to stop.”
San Francisco’s confidence in its young defensive front was reflected in its offseason approach. Rather than making a major splash at defensive tackle, the 49ers added veteran Osa Odighizuwa and selected Gracen Halton in the fourth round, complementing a group they expect to make significant strides during the 2026 season.
With Williams returning from injury, CJ West continuing his development, and Collins entering his second NFL campaign, the 49ers believe their defensive line has the talent to become one of the league’s strengths.
