NFL trade deadline: 5 players the 49ers should try moving in 2018

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 17: Running back Thomas Rawls #34 of the Seattle Seahawks gains yardage in the first quarter against nosetackle Earl Mitchell #90 of the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field on September 17, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Nose Tackle Earl Mitchell

Veteran defensive tackle Earl Mitchell is going to be phased out by the second-year pro, D.J. Jones, at some point down the line. The only question is when.

Mitchell, 31 years old, is now hitting the latter stages of his career but could provide some halfway decent run-stopping ability for a team looking for a stout gap protector in the middle of base defenses.

Plus it would open up the door for the younger and cheaper Jones.

It’s important to keep in mind Mitchell was one of the first signings of 2017 when the new Niners regime took over. That was before San Francisco grabbed Jones too.

So if the ultimate goal is to give Jones the starting reps and see where he can run with them, might as well clear Mitchell out of the way. Compensation would be minimal, perhaps only a sixth- or seventh-round pick.

But that would be fine. Especially if Jones ends up thriving.