Right tackle Colton McKivitz had glowing reviews for the 49ers’ youthful new defensive line. He talked up Williams, Collins and West, as well as undrafted free agent Sebastian Valdez, who has been nicknamed “Little Hulk.”

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/49ers as 49ers LB is Gaining the Trust of Robert Saleh. The San Francisco 49ers are closing in on two weeks of training camp. That means some of the players may start to separate themselves from others. One player who seems to be doing that is linebacker Dee Winters.

Perhaps no coordinator in the NFL is under more pressure than Saleh, whom the 49ers pounced on in the offseason following his dismissal last Oct. 8 as head coach of the New York Jets. Saleh did some consulting for Green Bay, had a couple of head coaching interviews, but ultimately returned to the 49ers.

The Saleh-led defense is looking to get back on track, and rookies Mykel Williams, Alfred Collins and CJ West will be a big part of that.

There is a lot of hope that the San Francisco 49ers will be improved on defense this season. A lot of that hope has to do with the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh who is apparently showing he has some tricks up his sleeve in training camp.

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh gave his early impression of top 2025 NFL Draft picks Mykel Williams and Alfred Collins.