In a historic moment for Indiana football, defensive lineman CJ West was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This marks the first time since 2022 that an Indiana Hoosier football player has been drafted, with West being the 113th overall pick. His selection is particularly significant as he is the highest draft pick from Indiana since 2018 and the first defensive lineman chosen since 2010.
West, who stands at 6-foot-1 and weighs 316 pounds, had a standout single season with the Hoosiers after transferring from Kent State, where he played for four seasons. During his time at Indiana, he played in all 13 games, starting 11, and recorded impressive stats, including 42 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. His performance earned him Honorable Mention All-Big Ten honors, showcasing his impact on the field.
Prior to his time with the Hoosiers, West was a significant player at Kent State, where he started 35 games and amassed 150 tackles, nine sacks, and two forced fumbles over five seasons. His transition to Indiana proved successful, as he contributed to a defensive unit that was ranked as the best in the nation in 2024, allowing only 81.2 rushing yards per game.
West's journey to the NFL Draft included noteworthy performances at both the East-West Shrine Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, where he showcased his athleticism with a 40-yard dash time of 4.95 seconds and a vertical jump of 33 inches. His measurements also included an arm length of 31 1/2 inches and hand size of 9 3/4 inches, which, while considered shorter than average for his position, did not deter scouts from recognizing his potential.
Pro Football Focus has described West as having a good combination of size and burst as a nose tackle. His ability to maintain leverage at the line of scrimmage, coupled with his quick first step and high-energy play style, make him a valuable asset in both run defense and pass-rushing situations. However, concerns remain regarding his shorter arms, which may affect his ability to wrap up and make plays in the backfield.
West's selection by the 49ers comes at a time when the team is looking to revamp its defensive line under new defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. After releasing both of their Week 1 starters at defensive tackle during the offseason, the 49ers used three of their first five picks in the draft to bolster their front line. With the addition of West, alongside other recent draft picks like Georgia defensive end Mykel Williams and Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins, the team is set to enhance its defensive capabilities.
As the 14th defensive tackle taken in the draft, West's selection not only signifies his individual talent but also highlights a broader trend of the 49ers focusing on strengthening their defensive front. His ability to thrive in a one-gap, attacking scheme could see him earn significant playing time from day one, particularly in specific packages designed to capitalize on his strengths.
West's performance at the combine, where he was named to the league's All-Combine team with a remarkable Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.15, further solidified his status as a player to watch. This score ranks him among the top 200 players tested from 1987 to 2025, demonstrating his athletic potential and readiness for the professional level.
Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN noted West's strong hands and ability to gain leverage at the line of scrimmage, which make him difficult to block. Kiper emphasized that while West may not be the ideal pass rusher due to his arm length, he possesses enough speed and technique to be effective in collapsing the pocket.
As CJ West embarks on his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, his journey from Indiana to the professional ranks serves as an inspiring story for aspiring athletes. With the right system and continued development, West could become a key player for the 49ers, contributing to their defensive efforts and potentially exceeding expectations set during the draft.
In conclusion, CJ West's selection by the San Francisco 49ers represents a significant milestone for Indiana football, marking a return to the NFL Draft stage for the program. With a promising career ahead, West is poised to make his mark in the league, showcasing the talent and determination that led him to this moment.
