No. 5: Defensive Tackle D.J. Jones
Rookie nose tackle D.J. Jones is listed as questionable with a knee injury ahead of Week 9. But assuming that designation lifts within the next week or two, there are plenty of reasons he should get an increased workload over the starting veteran, Earl Mitchell.
According to Pro Football Focus, Jones is actually ranked higher overall (57.9 to 45.7) than Mitchell, albeit on 229 fewer snaps.
But plays like the one below showcase why Jones has enough upside to consider giving an increased role:
D.J. Jones was one of the more athletic defensive tackles in a weak class. He's one of the best five rookies at the position this year. pic.twitter.com/NiTu6jXmMi
— Justis Mosqueda (@JuMosq) October 24, 2017
Granted, the Niners inked Mitchell earlier this offseason to a four-year, $16 million deal. But Mitchell is also 30 years old, and it might be worth going with the youth movement sooner than later.