4 breakout candidates for the 49ers in 2026

Collins, who was taken in the second round last year, was brought in to improve San Francisco’s run defense with a bigger body up front. And, after the 49ers traded for a quality pass-rushing defensive tackle in Osa Odighizuwa this offseason, I think Collins has the opportunity to take another big step in 2026.

Collins’s offseason was stunted last offseason due to a variety of injuries. His getting a fully healthy offseason could be the catalyst, but he’ll also get to improve more as a pass rusher with more 1-on-1 opportunities.

The 49ers will rely on both Collins and fellow second-year defensive tackle C.J. West in the rotation this season. And they’ve got the opportunity to grow in Year 2.

Mykel Williams

Similar to Collins, I thought Mykel Williams was another player who showed good growth throughout his rookie season. Williams was drafted as one of the higher-ceiling prospects in the 2025 class, as he had shown a ton of promise at Georgia and was one of the youngest prospects in his draft.

The pass rush was going to take some time, but Williams was built well and seemed like a good fit with his inside-outside versatility on the defensive line. A torn ACL took away half of his rookie year, but Williams will be positioned well working alongside Odighizuwa and fellow defensive end Nick Bosa this year.

He’s got a ton of room for growth, and the 49ers will be counting on him in a big way this year.

Renardo Green

Renardo Green is an interesting case. He seemed like a solid pick for the 49ers’ defense as a second-rounder in 2024 and had some promising moments as a rookie, but declined as a second-year pro while being the full-time starter opposite Deommodore Lenoir.

There was a ton of speculation on whether Green would reprise his starting role in 2026, but the 49ers didn’t do much at the position outside of adding veteran Nate Hobbs on a one-year deal.

Green has the length and the traits to be a good cornerback, but he needs much more consistency after a down year in 2025. He’s on track to get the opportunity to bounce back in 2026, and with a better pass rush in front of him, he has the chance to be the breakout in the secondary this year.