Overview
- This week The Athletic’s Matt Barrows named Alfred Collins the 49ers’ top breakout candidate for 2026 based on his rookie flashes and opportunity in the lineup.
- Former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh told NBC Bay Area that Collins was the biggest surprise from the 2025 rookie class and predicted significant upside from his work ethic and development.
- Collins missed spring work after offseason shoulder surgery but is reported to be on track to return for the start of training camp and compete for a starting interior role.
- The 49ers plan to pair Collins with newly acquired Osa Odighizuwa, a combination described by analysts as a 'pick-your-poison' interior that could create matchup problems for opposing offensive lines.
- Collins, a 2025 second-round pick who played 16 games as a rookie, recorded 17 tackles, one sack, four QB hits and two forced fumbles, and his growth is now tied to the team’s broader hope that the 2025 defensive class will boost a pass rush that struggled last season.