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San Francisco 49ers: Power ranking the 2018 NFL draftees

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 09: Victor Bolden #17 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass over Kyle Queiro #41 of the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of their NFL preseason football game at Levi's Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 09: Victor Bolden #17 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass over Kyle Queiro #41 of the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter of their NFL preseason football game at Levi's Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Kyle Postma #3 of the Houston Cougars runs the ball against Jullian Taylor #94 of the Temple Owls in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 30, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Houston Cougars defeated the Temple Owls 20-13. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Kyle Postma #3 of the Houston Cougars runs the ball against Jullian Taylor #94 of the Temple Owls in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 30, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Houston Cougars defeated the Temple Owls 20-13. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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:

Related Story. 49ers 2018 bubble watch: DT Jullian Taylor making the most of opportunities. light

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.