SANTA CLARA — With several new, young players on the 49ers’ defensive line, Nick Bosa already has been enjoying his role as a mentor and teacher.

“I definitely need to take a leadership role, for sure,” Bosa said Wednesday after practice. “I think it’s one thing to come in and work on my job and get better, which is all I’ve ever really worried about. It’s another thing to try and bring everyone along with you. It’s definitely something I’m thinking about and something I want to do.”

The 49ers selected three defensive linemen within their first five picks of the 2025 NFL Draft, including first-rounder Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins in the second round and CJ West in the fourth.

At practice, Bosa was seen chatting with all of the young players during individual drills, as well as 11-on-11 work.

“It’s friendly banter, but some of it is constructive criticism,” Bosa said. “Obviously it’s fun to watch a young guy go through the growing pains that I went through, and anything I see, I’m going to help them out.”

Kyle Shanahan has noticed Bosa’s involvement with the rookies, and the 49ers coach is pleased that the All-Pro is stepping up to help get his position mates on the same page.

“You can just tell, Nick, he doesn’t vary out of his personality very much,” Shanahan said. “But I do think he talks to those guys a lot more, and Nick will never say anything just to say it in any situation. But he doesn’t hold back as much, and I think he knows he can help guys, and when he sees spots that he can help guys with, he doesn’t hesitate.”

The defensive line room underwent a thorough offseason overhaul, losing several members in NFL free agency. The group now is not only young, but also hosting new faces like Bryce Huff, who spent the 2024 NFL season with the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I like the new additions,” Bosa said “I like it, I like the group. I think we have a lot of talent. I think when you look out on the field you see NFL bodies out there that look impressive, which is a good thing.

“Obviously we’re young, but I think just because nobody knows them now, they play a good couple of games then the whole world knows them. It’ll be exciting.” 

Bosa and the 49ers’ coaching staff will get a better idea of how the defensive line stacks up when the first padded practice takes place on Monday. Until then, the team has three more sessions in shells.

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