CJ West

Summary

C.J. West was selected in Round 4 (#113 Overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Indiana University. Over his college career, West totaled 110 tackles and 8 sacks at Kent State, earned Third‑Team All‑MAC honors, then transferred to Indiana where he posted 40 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, and 2 sacks while anchoring a top‑ranked run defense and helping the Hoosiers reach the College Football Playoff. At the NFL level with San Francisco in 2025, West has appeared in regular‑season games as a rotational defensive tackle, recording tackle contributions while gaining snaps in the defensive front. Known for his high motor, physicality, and competitive nature, West is widely respected for his work ethic, willingness to take on blockers, and disruptive presence in the interior run game.

Strengths

• Explosive Athleticism: At 316 lbs, West posted a sub‑5.0 40‑yard dash (4.95) and strong short‑area burst, providing unusual quickness for an interior defensive tackle. Quick off the snap and violent in his initial surge, often shooting gaps to create penetration against run plays.

• Run‑Defense Impact: Ranked near the top of run‑stop grades among interior defenders in his final college season; capable of disrupting gaps and limiting rushing lanes. Plays with good awareness, uses vision to anticipate plays, and adjusts alignment and attack accordingly.

• Leverage & Compact Power: His compact 6’1”, 316‑lb build allows him to play with leverage and absorb double teams effectively inside. Displays relentless pursuit and activity through the whistle, traits that translate to consistent run‑game disruption.

• Scheme Flexibility: Can align as a 3‑technique or nose tackle in different fronts, making him valuable in defensive rotations.

Weaknesses

• Pass‑Rush Moves: Relies heavily on physical traits and quickness and lacks a large repertoire of refined pass‑rush counters and hand techniques. Moderate collegiate sack totals reflect a need to improve finishing ability as an interior pass rusher.

• Length Limitations: At shorter arm length for a defensive tackle, he can struggle to disengage from longer blockers on second‑level moves and counters.

• Consistency Off the Snap: At times his first step can be downhill or overly upright, which can reduce effectiveness against savvy interior linemen.

• Technical Refinement: Still developing fundamental hand usage, pad level consistency, and power anchoring technique against NFL‑caliber offensive linemen. On Tap Sports Net

Outlook

West projects as a rotational defensive tackle with high run‑stopping upside in NFL schemes that emphasize gap penetration and interior physicality. His rare blend of size, quickness, and burst off the snap gives him a natural fit in one‑gap and 3‑technique roles, where he can be tasked with shooting A and B gaps to disrupt play direction and collapse run lanes. In San Francisco’s defense, which values defensive line versatility and depth, West’s ability to line up in multiple interior spots increases his snap opportunities on early downs and in rotational packages. Looking ahead, West’s outlook is that of a valued rotational interior presence with starter potential if he continues refining his pass‑rush moves and technique. While his athletic traits give him an early pathway to contribute in run defense and gap penetration, adding hand craft, counter arsenal, and consistency with leverage will be key to unlocking a larger role in third‑down and passing situations. With continued development and coaching, West has the upside to become not just a depth piece, but a core defensive interior disruptor capable of anchoring rotational fronts and adding pressure from the inside.