The 49ers double-dipped at defensive tackle to kick off Day 3.
The San Francisco 49ers continued to address a key need by selecting Indiana defensive tackle C.J. West with the 113th pick in the fourth round.
West, who stands 6’1” and weighs 316 pounds, may not have ideal height, but he makes up for it with impressive athleticism, making him a potential Day 3 steal at a premium position.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler shared his evaluation of West:
“A one-year starter at Indiana, West played multiple roles across the defensive line in Bryant Haines’ scheme, lining up anywhere from nose tackle to 2i- and three-technique. Originally a basketball player, West switched to football as a high school junior and has shown consistent growth ever since — culminating in a career-best season in 2024 as a driving force behind Indiana’s top-ranked FBS run defense.
“When scouting defensive linemen, finding players who hate being blocked is crucial, and West fits that mold with his quick, strong hands and relentless energy. He wins with quickness but has some ‘tweener’ traits — lacking the ideal mass for a nose tackle and still developing as a pass rusher from the B-gap. Overall, while West may not fit every scheme because of his size, his natural leverage, violent play style, and improving instincts are qualities that belong at the NFL level. He draws comparisons to Poona Ford and has the potential to be a valuable rotational piece. Although West suffered a serious knee injury in 2024, it doesn’t appear to have affected his draft status.”
After transferring up to the Power 4 level for his final college season, West helped Indiana reach the College Football Playoff, primarily standing out for his run-stopping ability. According to PFF, he recorded 22 run stops in 2024 while showing versatility across the defensive line.
Throughout the draft process, I often projected the 49ers to target a defensive tackle at pick No. 113, with West frequently in the conversation, especially after the team parted ways with Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins.
West’s success at the next level will largely hinge on how much he can develop as a pass rusher. However, he has consistently been a strong run defender, both during his time at Kent State and Indiana. The 49ers clearly prioritized reinforcing their run defense during this draft, and West marks their fifth consecutive defensive selection.
Though there may be some concern about his size, Day 3 is about finding players who fit your team, and West feels like someone the 49ers had their eye on throughout the pre-draft process.
His athleticism could nicely complement second-round pick Alfred Collins, a bigger-bodied tackle known for anchoring against the run.
In the end, how well West develops as a pass rusher will define this pick’s success. Still, given the player and where he was selected, this looks like a smart move — earning an A- grade.
Grade: A-
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