2. Jullian Taylor
Remember when I asked above if anyone was taking more advantage of opportunities than Reed?
Well, these two might be the ones giving him a run for his money.
Jullian Taylor has been absolutely phenomenal since being given first-team defensive line reps in the wake of Arik Armstead’s hamstring injury.
He’s been so impressive, Niner Noise even produced an article about his impressive performances through camp:
It’s a big deal for any seventh rounder to get first-team snaps in camp, but it’s even bigger if it carries over to preseason action. Niners Nation summed up his debut:
"Pro Football Focus tallied Taylor with a sack, two quarterback hits and a hurry in 20 pass rush attempts. He also had three run stops, which tied for the team high. He was starting in place of Arik Armstead, who is dealing with a hamstring injury that has him week-to-week. Taylor rotated to both sides, more so once Solomon Thomas suffered a head injury. If Thomas can’t play next week in Houston, Taylor will be in line for another sizable snap-load."
Taylor went from being a possible practice squad body to a possible starter his rookie season. Yes it’s only camp and one preseason game I know, but Taylor hasn’t put a foot wrong since reporting to camp.
If he keeps up this momentum, and injuries do occur on the defensive line, Taylor could be the one called to plug the gap.