SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers turned to a familiar old face in coordinator Robert Saleh to help fix a defense that uncharacteristically struggled last season.

The success of that unit in 2025 might depend heavily on the contributions from a group of rookies that is being counted on to contribute right away.

That group led by first-round defensive end Mykel Williams has already changed the environment around the 49ers following last season's six-win season and will get its first action in the season opener Sunday at Seattle.

“The energy is different, just the youth,” star defensive end Nick Bosa said Wednesday. “The energy on the field and off the field. It’s kind of refreshing. They’re all coming along and getting better.”

The Seahawks offer a tough test with a n

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