49ers Have a Budding Star Flying Under the Radar

News ArticlePublishedAug 18, 2026 at 07:51 PM EDTThe San Francisco 49ers, thankfully, have some key defensive linemen back this season. They might also get a boost from a rookie who made a strong first impression.Gracen Halton, the team's fourth-round pick, had a solid debut in San Francisco, earning a 73.6 overall PFF grade across 30 snaps. He was extra effective against the run, where he posted a 75.0 PFF run-defense grade and recorded four run stops without missing a tackle.Sports news: Bears QB Tyson Bagent is a Player to WatchThat's a great start for a player who could have a chance to make an impact sooner rather than later. The 49ers had lots of room for improvement against the run last season. Their interior defensive linemen combined for a league-worst 27.0 PFF run-defense grade..