49ers: 10 players who should see more playing time for rest of 2018

San Francisco 49ers: 10 players who should see more playing time over the rest of 2017

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 11: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #6 of the San Francisco 49ers smiles after catching a pass for a touchdown during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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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.