Niners Nation
The San Francisco 49ers didn’t rely on their rookies as much in Week 1 as they did in Week 2. There’s enough depth along the defensive line to ease the first-timers in. With that said, they were drafted for a reason, and that reason is to make a difference.
Let’s give out grades for the rookie performances against the Saints from Week 2.
Mykel found himself on the right side of luck on two plays, where he was unblocked for a couple of tackles for loss. Five tackles, a quarterback pressure, and a couple of bull rushes that were oh so close to a quarterback hit are worthy enough for a high grade for Mykel.
Teams can no longer run away from Nick Bosa. Williams had three run stops against the Saints. That’s an offensive line stocked with first and second rounders, so this was a good litmus test for the Niners’ defensive line. It’s safe to say we won’t see teams trying to block Mykel with a tight end again this season:
He’s been precisely what the 49ers have needed through two games. An interior presence that pushes the pocket as the edge rushers collapse in the passing game, and a stout run defender who makes a play or two to end a drive.
When you select a player as early as the 49ers did with Mykel Williams, he’s supposed to hit the ground running and be as good as advertised.
Alfred Collins was drafted early enough in the second round, where it was fair to question what was going on when Collins only played nine snaps in Week 1. Yes, he was injured during the offseason, but it shouldn’t have been enough to set Collins back that much, right?
Fret not, as Collins’ usage doubled in Week 2. From splitting double teams to winning 1-on-1 blocks, Collins’s impact was palpable against the Saints. And again, these were early draft picks he’s going against.
Collins didn’t just prove that he belongs, he showed that he can play. Collins was a bully against New Orleans, and difficult to move. San Francisco will need his size and effort against Arizona in Week 3. Collins was outsnapped by Kalia Davis (32) and Jordan Elliott (36). If he plays the way he did against New Orleans, it won’t be long before it’s Collins as the defensive tackle the Niners are hesitant to bring off the field. He was impressive.
Martin has been inactive in both games. If you’ve seen the linebacker play, you’d understand why. Fred Warner was named the NFC Defensive Player of the week. Dee Winters is bound to be recognized at some point this year for the same award.
Stout was the victim of a BS penalty on 3rd & 12 after being in position. That was the only catch he allowed all afternoon. Interestingly enough, Robert Saleh instituted a big nickel look this...
