49ers Host Standout ALL-MAC Defender Ahead Of NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers need to address their interior defensive line depth since they only have four under contract after releasing Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins. Excluding their two veterans, Kevin Givens and Jordan Elliott, their other two defensive tackles haven’t played a full season in their respective careers. Kalia Davis has played 16 games in three seasons, while Evan Anderson played 12 during his rookie year.

WATCH: 49ers DL Javon Hargrave looks ready for training camp

Because of this, the 49ers could add a defensive tackle on Day 2.

The San Francisco 49ers host intriuging All-MAC defender

Senior Bowl, Darius Alexander — Jan 30, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; National team offensive lineman Grey Zabel of North Dakota State (77) works against National team defensive lineman Darius Alexander of Toledo (9) during Senior Bowl practice for the National team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

According to Justin Melo, the 49ers hosted Darius Alexander for a pre-draft visit.

Alexander is an intriguing prospect because he dominated the competition, though playing for a Group of Five (G5) school rather than a Power Four (P4) program. He has since risen on draft boards following an impressive performance during the Senior Bowl. Many analysts have mocked him as a second-round pick.

He had a great career with Toledo

Toledo Rockets, Darius Alexander — Dec 30, 2023; Tucson, AZ, USA; Toledo Rockets defensive tackle Darius Alexander (9) against the Wyoming Cowboys in the Arizona Bowl at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Darius Alexander committed to the Toledo Rockets as a two-star recruit for the 2019 season. Alexander had a great career with Toledo, recording 127 tackles, 23 TFLs, nine sacks, and one pick-six with 27 starts in 58 games. His accolades include a Third Team All-MAC in 2023 and Second Team All-MAC in 2024.

Alexander had a great redshirt senior season, boasting career highs in tackles and TFLs. He recorded 40 tackles, eight TFLs, 3.5 sacks, and one pick-six in 12 games. He also posted 37 pressures, a 12.9% pass-rush win rate, 23 run stops, and a 7.9% run stop rate, ranking 6th in pressures, 9th in pass-rush win rate, 12th in run stops, and 25th in run stop rate.

Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report

Lance Zierlein, NFL Network — Mar 4, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

“Interior lineman with the size, length and physicality for consideration in odd or even fronts. Alexander is capable of destroying blocks, but he needs to do a better job of balancing his force to control the action at the point of attack.

“He can hold his ground when he’s staying low, but the pad level is inconsistent and causes his gap constriction to be hit-or-miss. Alexander has above-average rush acumen.

“He does a nice job of utilizing his traits and crafting a plan of attack. His best football could be ahead of him, but for now, he projects as an average rotational player or backup.”

He predicts that he will become a good backup with the potential to develop into a starter.

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49ers Host Standout ALL-MAC Defender Ahead Of NFL Draft

The San Francisco 49ers host intriuging All-MAC defender

He had a great career with Toledo

Here’s Lance Zierlein’s scouting report

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