Focusing too intently on your weaknesses during the offseason can easily lead you down an ill-advised path.

The San Francisco 49ers knew they had to improve this offseason in the run defense department, especially after releasing veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. They reunited with former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh and asked him to take up his old mantle as defensive coordinator. In the draft, they went defensive early and keyed in on players with run stuffing ability.

So far these investments have paid minimal dividends, unlike the 2023 draft class for the Los Angeles Rams that turned around their defense quickly and helped them rebuild on the fly enroute to the postseason.

What scouts said:

Against the run, Williams has very few flaws. He’s strong and physical when

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