CJ West ready to play 'violent' and make 'splash plays' in the backfield for 49ers

CJ West knew that he’d hear his name called during the 2025 NFL Draft, he just didn’t know where he’d end up. Once Saturday arrived, West didn’t have to wait long to find out where he was beginning his NFL career — and it appears to be a near perfect fit for both sides.

Once the 113th pick was announced and CJ West found out he was going to end up with the San Francisco 49ers, it was pure excitement — and a place he wanted to end up.

“I was so excited,” West said during his availability after he was selected. “I had a great interview with them back at the Shrine Bowl and the NFL Combine and it was great. I really got a good vibe from the coaches. They seem very intense and I’m an intense football player.”

That intense style of play resulted in 150 tackles, 27 tackles for loss and 9.0 sacks throughout his college career. But, his game — and exposure — was elevated during his final college season.

After three standout years at Kent State, West transferred to Indiana to play in one of the top conferences in college football. It resulted in 40 tackles (three off a career high) and eight tackles for loss — a career high.

His play elevated even more in the three critical games for IU — and the toughest competition down the stretch. He had nine tackles against Michigan, six tackles against Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff and four additional tackles against Ohio State. He had four tackles for loss combined in the three games.

Those performances stood out for the 49ers when they assessed their defensive needs.

“I had the chance to watch him live this year when we went back to Ohio State, Indiana was there, made an impression in that game,” 49ers GM John Lynch said. “But more so his film, his body of work has really stood out and we just felt was a really good fit.

“Extremely stout, sturdy, but also has the quickness and strength to play in the other team’s backfield. Makes a lot of splash plays in the other team’s backfield.”

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And those are the types of environments that West wanted, and an example of why he made the move to Indiana and the Big Ten.

“Me transferring put everyone on notice that I can do what I can do on every level,” West said in an extended interview. “Show everybody I’m a player, I’m a dawg, and I’m violent when I play football. I just love this game and give it all full effort.”

West, a 6-foot-2 and 317-pound defensive lineman, has shown the ability to play both on the inside and outside of the line. He’s big, physical, aggressive, but also mobile. He’s ready to showcase his versatility wherever he’s placed.

“I’m versatile, I can do it everywhere. But my bread and butter is at the 1-technique,” West said. “I abuse centers. I’ll be as violent as possible and create havoc down in the middle.”

The 49ers defense has created a certain culture that has made it one of the top groups in the NFL year in and year out.

Since 2019, that group has been in the top-8 in total yardage defense every single season — including four seasons in the top-3.

And now, defensive coordinator Robert Saleh returns. He spearheaded the 49ers defense from 2017-2020 and now is back ready to lead San Francisco’s defense yet again.

For CJ West, the culture that Saleh built is exactly what has him ready to get over to the Bay Area and get his career started — and more importantly, ready to learn from anyone and everyone that he can listen to.

“They’re really — they’re coaches that really know what they’re doing and also passionate for the game. You can see it in the way they talk,” West said. “When I was on the phone with them, you just see it in the way they talk, the way they coach. And that’s the type of coaching style I love. Coaching style I want to be in. And that’s the type of culture of a program I want to be in as well.

“I’m a sponge when it comes to that, I love picking veteran’s brains. Getting the ins and the outs of the league. Picking up anything I can learn so I know it like the back of my hand. I’m going to be prepared once Sunday’s comes.”

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