The San Francisco 49ers’ offseason goal wasn’t a secret. The plan was to transform the defense’s identity a year after being pushed around. A defensive line with a pass-rush-first mentality is how you end up ranking 31st in the NFL in points per drive.

The 2025 rookies were never going to be of the “flashy” variety. It was the class that would build the foundation for the future. Add in Robert Saleh’s scheme, teaching and communication skills, and the improvements have been on full display this past month, even amid injuries.

A make-shift defensive line relying on a mix of journeymen, UDFAs, and rookies has shaved nearly a half point per drive off last year’s total and is up to 13th in points per drive this season.

Let’s grade the rookies 13 weeks into the season.

Mykel Williams: Incom

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