Niner Noise
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5 49ers players who should see more playing time vs. Buccaneers

By Peter Panacy

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Defensive end Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Defensive end Ronald Blair #98 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles quarterback Josh Rosen #3 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/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) /

No. 1: Defensive Tackle Jullian Taylor

Hey, another 49ers defensive lineman needing to see an increased role!

Notice a trend here?

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The Niners have a deep defensive line. But not all their cast members within this group are going to be a part of the big picture moving forward. Rookie defensive tackle Jullian Taylor, however, should be in the consideration.

Taylor has been a regular guest on San Francisco’s weekly list of inactives, appearing in just one game this season and failing to impact the stat sheet.

It’s a bit of a surprise, especially after Taylor was wreaking havoc on opposing offensive lines during the preseason — units which were often starting second-string players, not just guys destined for practice squads and roster cuts.

Sure, Taylor is raw and will need a lot of refinement before he can be a regular part of the defensive line’s rotation. Yet there’s enough upside to suggest he can emerge as a solid contributor in a backup role.

Plus, his violent swim moves and ability to get behind mere-average pass blockers has already been showcased. It’s time to see if those efforts can translate over to regular-season games.

Next. 49ers' offseason shopping list for free agency and the NFL Draft. dark

If it can, the 49ers would be wise to give him some snaps when the team visits the Buccaneers on Sunday — a game which kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Nov. 25.