SANTA CLARA — For the fifth year in a row, Trent Williams watched his new defensive coordinator unveil his strategies while dressed in street clothes during the 49ers’ first preseason game.
What captured the attention of the veteran left tackle wasn’t necessarily the new tactics being introduced by Raheem Morris. Instead, it was the appearance of a new, bigger player on the field.
“Boomer Sooner. Gracen Hulton, you know,” Williams remarked, noting that he had crossed paths with the Niners’ fourth-round rookie defensive tackle back in Norman, Oklahoma—about 15 years prior.
While rookie wide receiver DeZean Stribling drew excitement in his debut, Houlton also made a significant impression on defense during the preseason opener.
“Obviously, he’s from Oklahoma, so I might be a little biased,” Williams said with a smile. “But I think people are starting to recognize what he can contribute. He’s explosive and really strong… I’ve been impressed for sure.”
Morris had his work cut out for him, looking to build a defense that he would showcase next month in Melbourne, Australia. However, he rolled out a new playbook that added a fresh twist to the familiar system under Kyle Shanahan, sticking mainly to the standard 4-3, Cover 2 structure despite the coaching change.
Overall, Morris said he felt “very pleased” after his initial introduction to the revamped defense.
Talented young players flourish with the 49ers
“We’ve got a lot of young guys stepping up,” Morris noted. “We had to iron out some issues, but the nerves didn’t hinder us. The players were fast, and many of them seized the opportunity to shine… I was really excited about their performance.”
No one logged more snaps than Efesians Prysok, who was on the field for 87% of defensive plays. The fourth-round rookie excelled in red zone coverage, notably defending against No. 4 overall pick Colonel Tate and utilizing his long arms to avert a possible touchdown.
Jayden Dugger, a 6-foot-5 fifth-rounder, appeared well-suited for Morris’ new “feverbacker” role—a hybrid of linebacker and defensive lineman—and immediately set the tone by pressuring Cam Ward during the second play of the game.
However, it was Hulton’s performance in the trenches that stood out most.
And perhaps his most notable moment was one that didn’t even count for him.
With Robert Saleh opting to field the Titans’ entire starting lineup, the rookie, earning a base salary of $885,000, faced a top matchup and didn’t shy away from the challenge. He recently studied Robert Skoronski, who just signed a record contract for an interior lineman.
The play culminated with Ward pinned beneath Houlton’s 6-foot-2, 292-pound frame, 14 yards behind the line of scrimmage. The only downside? A defensive holding call downfield negated the highlight moment.
“I didn’t focus on who he was up against; I just looked at how he executed,” Morris stated. “I was really impressed with how it all came together.”
Containing the Titans’ running game proved challenging, conceding 5.7 rushing yards per carry, but the consistent pressure Hulton applied must have been a positive takeaway.
With star pass rusher Nick Bosa sidelined by a knee injury and first-round pick Mikel Williams out, the remaining defensive linemen haven’t exactly been up to par, as Trent Williams put it. “It’s pretty tough out there.”
Their total of 20 sacks put them at the bottom of the league.
But with rookies Hulton and Romello Hite on the squad, there’s a renewed hope that this year’s defensive unit might see some changes.
“We were literally out there with guys from the practice squad,” Williams said, reflecting on the fierce competition. “It’s actually really exciting to see.”
After the game, Hulton lingered by his locker, quickly drawing the attention of reporters. Williams expressed appreciation for Hulton’s youthful vigor, noting that, “after 17 years at 38, that kind of enthusiasm isn’t automatic anymore… It feels refreshing.”
As for Hulton’s influence on the field, Williams likened him to DJ Jones, a sixth-round pick who evolved into a significant player in the middle before leaving in 2021.
I only think of Morris as someone who works hard, and, really, that speaks volumes.
“We’ve got a passionate group of young players who want to do things the right way,” Morris said. “I pay close attention to everything [defensive line coach Kris] Kocurek says and really absorb it. He definitely brings energy to the team every single day.”
