49ers training camp bubble watch: 5 players who have improved their stock
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Defensive Tackle Jullian Taylor
With veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead out week to week with a hamstring injury, the 49ers surprisingly promoted rookie seventh-round draft pick, defensive tackle Jullian Taylor, to the first team in Armstead’s wake.
San Francisco 49ers
That’s critical. Again, seventh-round draftees rarely get time with the starters, and most never make the 53-man roster in year one.
But Taylor and his 6-foot-5, 280-pound frame has been making the most of his opportunities ever since his promotion on July 31. And on day eight of practices, Taylor regularly outworked Niners first-round right tackle Mike McGlinchey on run drills.
“You know, he brings an awesome mindset of physicality, violence and effort,” 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh told reporters last Thursday (h/t 49ers Webzone). “The guy’s got unbelievable strain in his game. He’s got a very, very long way to go. I know there’s a lot of love out there for him. He’s doing a great job, but he’s got a long way to go to learn how to use his hands, to keep separation while maintaining his violence.”
Sounds like a perfect project.
Armstead was slated to play the big end 5-technique in Saleh’s defensive front. Taylor’s build suggests he’s more than adept at doing this. And while Saleh indicated he has a ways to go, don’t be surprised if Taylor winds up seeing the majority of reps during the preseason while Armstead is out.