SANTA CLARA — The 49ers went into the 2025 NFL season with an understanding that their young defensive linemen would need to contribute.

Coach Kyle Shanahan sees that plan starting to come into focus after just two weeks with rookies Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins on the field.

“You know, they did some good things in game one, but we saw even better in game two,” Shanahan said of the pair. “Alfred got out there more, flashed a bunch. I see both of those guys just working the right way, made of the right stuff. Alfred’s been stringing together a lot of stuff; he’s been able to avoid injury. Mykel’s getting back and getting used to it, and I thought it was a big improvement in Week 2.”

Williams, who was on the field for 39 snaps in his rookie debut, only registered one tackle against the Seattle Seahawks. Collins was on the field for just nine plays but did not appear on the stat sheet at all.

In their second game appearance in the 49ers’ 26-21 win over the New Orleans Saints, Williams was on the field for 48 defensive plays and generated three pressures, all hurries, with four tackles, one assist, one missed tackle and four stops.

Collins was able to increase his rep count to 24 plays in Week 2 and recorded one pressure — a hit — with two tackles and one miss. Veteran defensive end Nick Bosa has been impressed with what he has seen from both Williams and Collins.

“It was a big improvement,” Bosa said of Williams. “I think his week of practice actually last week was noticeably more intentful and energetic overall. I don’t always necessarily think that practice week directly translates to the game because sometimes you have great games and bad weeks of practice, but I think it did for him.” 


Both Williams and Collins have remained healthy thus far, receiving valuable game and practice reps in preparation to face the most mobile quarterback they’ve seen this season — Arizona Cardinals signal-caller Kyler Murray.

The 49ers’ Week 3 contest kicks off at 1:25 p.m. PT on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.

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