The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2026 Football Preview. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps, as well as defensive analysis from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2026 Football Preview.
With the 2026 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the San Francisco 49ers and preview how it might perform this season.
San Francisco 49ers 2026 Defense Preview: A Unit-by-Unit Breakdown
The 49ers allowed 4.5 yards per carry to running backs (22nd) last season and finished 30th in success rate allowed on those carries. San Francisco also traded for Osa Odighizuwa, who finished 34th among all qualified pass rushers, not just defensive tackles, in pressure rate last year. A second-round pick last year, Alfred Collins earned a rotational role as a rookie, but he did not have a great first season. A fourth-round pick last year, C.J. West did not fare much better.
The 49ers struggled to get pressure in 2025, finishing 30th in pressure rate (30.4%) and dead last with 20 sacks. San Francisco suffered big injuries to their pass rusher group, with Nick Bosa playing just three games and first-round rookie Mykel Williams lasting just nine. Keion White and Sam Okuayinonu are back after playing meaningful roles last year, though both had a sub-10 % pressure rate. Romello Height was added in the third round.
Arguably the most impactful injury for the 49ers defense last year, Fred Warner played just six games because of a broken ankle. He should return healthy for 2026, and the team reunited with Dre Greenlaw this offseason. Of course, Greenlaw has played just 10 games over the last two years, but he and Warner formed the best linebacker partnership in the league as recently as 2023. Tatum Bethune also got some experience last year, and Luke Gifford is back to help out on special teams.
Not helped by their pass rush, the 49ers allowed 7.0 yards per pass attempt (16th) last season but ranked 26th in EPA allowed per pass attempt. All of their primary snap takers from last season are back, and last year’s lack of success does not truly reflect the quality of corners on the roster. Deommodore Lenoir has lived up to the billing since signing his big extension. A 2024 second-round pick, Renardo Green has allowed just 6.6 yards per target and an 84.1 quarterback rating in his coverage through two seasons. A third-round pick last year, Upton Stout established himself as the primary option in the slot as a rookie. The 49ers also added Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones in free agency.
Malik Mustapha missed the start of his second season because of a 2024 knee injury, but he established himself as an every-down player by the end of the year. Ji’Ayir Brown played the second-most snaps in the safety group, and Marques Sigle earned a meaningful role as a rookie. All three need to play better in the passing game, but there are young options here.
This analysis continues in the 2026 Football Preview
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Warren Sharp’s 600+ page full-color PDF, the 2026 Football Preview, is unlike anything you have read. Stunning visualizations, including new heat maps and stat pages, are built with the reader in mind. Innovative, next-level thought processes abound in every team chapter and article.
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Warren Sharp's book shares insights into the players, coaches, teams, and philosophies with one goal: to prepare you for the 2026 NFL season with the smartest information delivered in the fastest, most direct way possible for optimal reviewing and retention.
- Team Chapters previews are in-depth, data-driven & full of actionable info
- Fantasy Football player profiles, predictions, and ranks
- Vegas Odds forecast team wins, division rankings, lines for all 2026 games
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- Front Office Analysis positional spending, roster construction & cap analysis
- Reasons to bet over/under win totals & analysis of futures betting market
- Rookie draft class deep dive into impact for every team
- Rankings for every positional unit on every team with analysis
- Penalty analysis for all 32 NFL teams
