49ers' Trent Williams compares rookie to 15-sack former teammate

While the San Francisco 49ers had invested heavily in their defensive line last year's draft and in free agency, that didn't stop them from addressing the position early on Day 4 of the 2026 NFL draft. With pick No. 107 overall in the fourth round, San Francisco took Oklahoma defensive tackle Gracen Halton. The 22-year-old earned All-SEC honors once in his four years with the Sooners and recorded 84 tackles, 8.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two passes defensed in 47 games. In his preseason debut against the Tennessee Titans, Halton impressed by taking 2025 No. 1 pick Cam Ward (even though the play was negated by a penalty). Then, he shed a block and stuffed running back Tyjae Spears on the very next play for a loss. His performance caught the attention of teammates Trent Williams, who even compared him to another former 49ers defensive lineman. "Boomer Sooner, Gracen Halton, you know it. G-Baby, man." Williams said in a recent media availability. "Obviously, Oklahoma guy, so I'm always gonna be a little biased, but I think the world kinda saw what he has to offer. Very explosive. Short-area quickness. Really powerful. He puts you in the mind of D.J. Jones a little bit, what he had when he was here. He definitely impressed." The 49ers took Jones in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL draft after a collegiate career split between East Mississippi Community College and Ole Miss. He eventually became a starter for the 49ers by his third season and earned a three-year, $30 million deal with the Denver Broncos in 2022 and another three-year, $39 million extension in 2025. If Halton has the career that Jones' had, which includes 287 tackles (36 for a loss), 26 quarterback hits, 15 sacks, 13 passes defensed, six forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries, San Francisco would probably be thrilled. More 49ers: 49ers place 2 rookies on PFF's all-rookie team, one isn't Stribling This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers' Trent Williams compares rookie to 15-sack former teammate