Rookie defensive tackle CJ West isn’t wasting any time soaking up knowledge from his veteran 49ers teammates.

Despite playing different positions, West has leaned on having a front-row seat to watch the daily work habits of 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa as he seeks to hone his own craft.

West explained how Bosa’s defensive-line expertise and willingness to mentor the younger players in the trenches has enhanced his own game as he adapts to the NFL.

“Oh, man. Every time Bosa goes, I watch every single rep,” West told reporters after Saturday’s practice in Santa Clara. “I watch every step he takes. How deliberate he is with his hands, how deliberate he is with his first steps. I watch it all because he’s a great player. And one day, I want to be a great player and really make a name for myself in the league.

“So I take every little thing. Even though we play different positions, some of that stuff does translate. How quick you may shoot your hands, how violent that first step has to be. You gain ground on your second step as well. So, talking to him, he’s been helping me with that and just really focusing on me getting off the ball every single rep.”

While West certainly has taken the initiative in learning from Bosa, the rookie also revealed the All-Pro edge rusher has gone out of his way to share knowledge with the first-year defensive lineman.

“Honestly, it’s both,” West when asked if he seeks out Bosa’s advice or if the veteran shares it on his own accord. “There was one practice where he was watching me get off and he was like, ‘Hey just keep doing that every single rep.’ If you just focus on getting off the ball, you’ll be OK.”

West’s strong training camp performance already has caught the eye of coach Kyle Shanahan, who had high praise for the rookie’s early showings.

“He’s out there doing a good job,” Shanahan said of West. “Put a lot of pressure on those guys with just the lack of depth we have there with so many guys we lost. And he’s hopped in, along with Alfred [Collins] and those guys.”

Shanahan lauded West’s power in particular, explaining how his devastating bullrush sets the table for the rookie to deploy a wide array of pass-rush moves.

“That’s what he does best,” Shanahan said. “It starts with that, and you have to defend the bullrush all the time and then that makes his moves come alive.” 

San Francisco selected West No. 113 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, with the rookie already earning comparisons to former 49ers defensive tackle D.J. Jones.

At 6-foot-1, 315 pounds, West has been able to utilize his lower center of gravity to bully opponents in both team and individual drills during training camp, while also earning a unique moniker from defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

The 49ers’ identity long has been rooted in their ferocious defensive front, and San Francisco could be on an expedited path to restoring that reputation if West and the other rookies are able to parlay Bosa’s guidance into instant impact this season.

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