The San Francisco 49ers spent most of this offseason revamping their defensive line. They let three-fourths of their starting group from last season go, and then they used three of their first five picks on defensive linemen in the NFL draft.

There’s a real chance the third of those three defensive linemen taken in the draft has the biggest impact in Year 1.

Defensive tackle CJ West, the No. 113 overall pick from Indiana University, was in our projected starting group on the defensive front. He was also Pro Football and Sports Network’s pick to be the biggest surprise from the 49ers’ rookie class.

Via PFSN:

Given the 49ers’ thin depth on the interior of their defensive line, CJ West’s gritty, disruptive energy could make him a valuable rotational piece early in his rookie season. An experienced player, West made a name for himself by doing the dirty work and consistently freeing up playmakers around him. He was a tone-setter for Indiana’s revamped run defense, helping to elevate it from one of the Big Ten’s weakest to one of the nation’s best.

Though West lacks elite length and first-step explosion, he has the traits to make an impact on early downs. His performances against Ohio State and Michigan suggest he can hold is own against NFL-caliber competition. West will need to develop as a pass rusher, but he could immediately this defense as a run stuffer.

Opportunities will be plenty for West and the rest of the 49ers rookie defensive linemen. Nick Bosa has one defensive end spot nailed down, but beyond that there are three starting spots open. West’s main competition for a starting job will be fellow rookie Alfred Collins (the No. 43 overall pick), and veteran Jordan Elliott who was not super impressive in 13 starts last season. Second-year undrafted free agent Evan Anderson may also be in the mix, along with veteran UDFA Kevin Givens, but they’re likely to be rotational pieces only.

If West can credibly play on all three downs, he could quickly transform the 49ers’ defensive front more than Collins or No. 11 overall pick DE Mykel Williams.

Other candidates for biggest surprise are linebacker Nick Martin, a third-round selection who may wind up starting at the Will LB spot alongside Fred Warner. Fifth-round safety Marques Sigle is another player worth keeping a close eye on. He could be in line for a starting job and he brings potentially game-changing athleticism and versatility to the back end of the 49ers’ secondary.