The San Francisco 49ers officially kicked off their rookie minicamp this week, giving media a chance to hear from several members of the team’s 2025 draft class. Over Thursday and Friday, rookies shared insights about their early impressions, teammates, and personal motivations. Here are some notable quotes, stories, and observations from those conversations.
Collins models game after Pro Bowl D-lineman
Second-round pick Alfred Collins, a former Texas defensive tackle, was asked which NFL players he studies or models his game after. He didn’t hesitate to name a six-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman.
“I really like Calais Campbell,” Collins said. “He’s just someone my size, tall, can do it all. So, I want my game to be versatile.”
Campbell is listed at 6-foot-8 and 307 pounds. Although two inches shorter, Collins tipped the scales at 332 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“I just like how he plays everywhere on the field and how he attacks his work that’s required for him to be great,” Collins added.
Airport spotting
Fourth-round pick CJ West, a defensive tackle out of Indiana, is expected to line up next to Collins in the trenches. West recalled meeting Collins for the first time at the San Jose airport.
“I recognized him right away,” West said. “I mean, it’s kind of hard to miss him. He’s huge. I recognized him right away, and I’m like, that’s my new teammate, so I gotta make a bond and just do everything I can so that we can succeed.”
Collins was informed of West’s comments and asked if he also noticed his new teammate at the airport.
“Yeah. He stands out, too,” Collins responded with a laugh.
Comfy footwear
West also noticed another new teammate at the airport—linebacker Nick Martin from Oklahoma State. What caught his eye first? Martin’s shark slippers.
“You can tell he’s a guy with character,” West said. “He’s going to have a lot of character, and I’m excited to play in front of him and just continue to build that bond and get to know each other.”
Martin later admitted to reporters that he owns around 20 pairs of animal-themed slippers.
“They’re comfortable and I like animals,” he said.
When asked if he wanted a pair of his own, West laughed and said, “That’s going to be his thing. I’ll let that be his swag. I’ll rock my own thing. But no, they’re fire.”
Martin elaborated on his quirky fashion, saying, “I’m pretty comfortable with who I am, and I’ve always worn them, so I don’t know why I would change them. It got me here. The sharks got me here. The puppies got me here. But it is what it is, and I enjoy it. I enjoy expressing myself through fashion. … But, yeah, I’m just gonna be myself, always, regardless….
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