# 49ers defense rebuilds with young talent

> Rookie Jaden Dugger and Gracen Halton help 49ers defense rebound after 2022 slump.
- Title: 49ers defense rebuilds with young talent | Shortify
- Summary: Rookie Jaden Dugger and Gracen Halton help 49ers defense rebound after 2022 slump. 49ers defense, led by rookie Jaden Dugger and Gracen Halton, has climbed…
- Keywords: 49ers, jaden dugger, gracen halton, nick bosa, defensive tackle, rookie, pass-rush win rate, seattle seahawks, fred warner, raheem morris, news, local
- Source: The San Francisco Standard — https://sfstandard.com/2026/10/15/49ers-defense-raheem-morris-jaden-dugger
- Published: 2026-10-16T01:52:23+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: 49ers, jaden dugger, gracen halton, nick bosa, defensive tackle, rookie, pass-rush win rate, seattle seahawks, fred warner, raheem morris, news, local
## 49ers defense rebound
The 49ers defense, led by rookie Jaden Dugger, has climbed to No. 6 in ESPN’s team pass-rush win rate despite missing Nick Bosa.
## Dugger’s first sack
Jaden Dugger recorded his first NFL sack against Seattle’s quarterback Sam Darnold during the game.
## Rookie versatility
Dugger has played multiple defensive positions including weakside linebacker and strongside linebacker.
## New coordinator
Raheem Morris, the 49ers’ new defensive coordinator, made key structural changes to improve the defense.
## Gracen Halton’s impact
Gracen Halton, a rookie defensive tackle, has delivered a standout play by knocking the ball away from Seattle’s running back.
## Defense returns to form
The 49ers defense, which fell from the league’s elite after the 2022 season, has returned to its top standard.
## Osa Odighizuwa
Veteran defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, acquired from the Dallas Cowboys, ranks seventh in pass-rush win rate.
## Rookie success
Eight players drafted over the past three seasons have played integral roles in the defense’s surge to No. 3 in EPA per play.
## Bosa’s status
Nick Bosa, the 49ers’ star defensive end, is out with a calf strain but may return as soon as Monday night.
## Defense’s strength
The 49ers defense has climbed from No. 29 to No. 6 in ESPN’s team pass-rush win rate despite missing Bosa.
## What’s next
The 49ers aim to maintain their top five defense ranking through the season.
## Key takeaway

49ers defense, led by rookie Jaden Dugger and Gracen Halton, has climbed to No. 6 in pass-rush win rate despite missing Nick Bosa.