The San Francisco 49ers’ youth movement was on full display in Sunday’s 20–10 win over the Atlanta Falcons. While veterans carried some of the load, several members of the 2025 rookie class made meaningful contributions in key moments. From first-rounder Mykel Williams wreaking havoc up front to late-round picks showing quiet progress, it was a promising week for the future of the franchise.

Mykel Williams (DE, Georgia — Round 1, No. 11)

Williams continues to look every bit the part of a first-round pick. Against the Falcons, he set the tone defensively, registering a quarterback pressure. His burst off the edge helped collapse the pocket and force Michael Penix Jr into quick decisions. 

Alfred Collins (DT, Texas — Round 2, No. 43)

Collins did the dirty work inside, helping bottle up Bijan Robinson and Atlanta’s run game. He registered three quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery. Collins’ development as an interior anchor is starting to give the 49ers’ defensive front real depth.

Nick Martin (LB, Oklahoma State — Round 3, No. 75)

The game was his NFL debut, as he had been inactive for the first six weeks of the season and he played primarily on special teams. With San Francisco starting linebacker Fred Warner out with an injury, Martin was active for the first time. He took over the special teams snaps that were vacated when Tatum Bethune moved into a starting linebacker role.

Upton Stout (CB, Western Kentucky — Round 3, No. 100)

The 49ers cornerback was inactive for the Week 7 matchup against Atlanta on October 19, 2025, due to an ankle injury that was sustained during practice the week leading up to this matchup.

CJ West (DT, Indiana — Round 4, No. 113)

Defensive tackle CJ West was on the field for only nine snaps, West played the fewest snaps of any San Francisco defensive lineman against the Falcons. West received a 45.1 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Jordan Watkins (WR, Ole Miss — Round 4, No. 138)

Watkins was active in the rotation but saw limited targets. His biggest contribution came on special teams. The rookie speedster is still waiting for his breakout moment, but his versatility keeps him valuable to this roster.

Jordan James (RB, Oregon — Round 5, No. 147)

Running back Jordan James was listed as inactive for their Week 7 game. 

Marques Sigle (S, Kansas State — Round 5, No. 160)

Sigle continues to contribute primarily on special teams, but recorded one solo tackle and one assisted tackle for a combined two tackles.

Kurtis Rourke (QB, Ohio — Round 7, No. 227)

Rourke was inactive on Sunday, but his steady development behind the scenes continues. With Brock Purdy still working back toward a return, Rourke remains a long-term project the 49ers are excited about.

Connor Colby (OL, Iowa — Round 7, No. 249)

Colby started again at left guard and showed much improvement from last week. While he still allowed some pressure, his footwork looked cleaner. His growth as a seventh-round pick has been a huge win for the offensive staff.