49ers’ 2019 ‘Who Is?’ series: Defensive tackle Sheldon Day

The San Francisco 49ers have quite the depth along the defensive line, which could possibly push out veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Day in 2019. He’s the subject of Niner Noise’s latest “Who Is?” installment on the offseason roster.

Defensive tackle Sheldon Day made a nice impact for the San Francisco 49ers after they claimed him off waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars back in November of 2017.

The Jaguars’ fourth-round NFL Draft pick from 2016 had plenty of promise coming out of Notre Dame. But Jacksonville’s defensive line depth that year didn’t exactly boast a lot of openings, which led to him being waived and eventually en route to San Francisco.

As a rotational piece with the Niners, Day managed a sack and 16 tackles over six games with his new team in 2017, followed up by another two-sack, 11-tackle campaign last year.

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But with the 49ers continuing to bolster their defensive line heading into 2019, will Day find himself in a similar situation he went through in Jacksonville back in 2017?

Niner Noise’s “Who Is?” series on the team’s offseason roster takes a deeper look.

Why Sheldon Day Improves in 2019

On a simple note, Day will turn 25 years old this summer and has yet to hit the prime years of his career. That’s good news, as is the fact he has also maintained a relatively good bill of health during his pro career.

The Niners stocked up primarily on edge defenders this offseason, namely edge rushers Dee Ford and Nick Bosa, yet left the interior of the D-line relatively untouched after last season. There will be some added competition, yes. But the fact Day managed to carve out a nice little niche last season works in his favor.

Day also has the ability to double as a 1- or a 3-technique, which makes him a prime candidate to serve as an immediate backup to the 49ers’ projected starters on the inside in base formations, DeForest Buckner and D.J. Jones.

Plus, when Day does get his share of snaps, he’ll be joined by an upgraded cast of defenders on either side of them. That should give him an increase of opportunities to get within the pocket and make a difference.

Why Sheldon Day Regresses

Day was inactive for the 49ers’ final four games of 2018. And while there might have been a low-causing injury behind this, it’s also possible the Niners wanted to get additional looks at some of the other depth members along the D-line.

In total, Day saw 275 defensive snaps last season — just over 25 percent of the team’s total. With Day primarily being used as a run defender and not a pass-rusher, it’s possible that number decreases, as San Francisco expects to get some other run stoppers in the mix as early as training camp.

If Day isn’t able to bolster his stock levels as a pass-rusher, there’s a good chance he’s pushed to the fringes of the roster heading into Week 1 of the regular season.

Chances of Making the 49ers’ 53-Man Roster in 2019

Day is squarely on the roster bubble right now. While he’s far off from being named a starter, and likely won’t be anytime soon, he does stand a good chance of securing a key depth spot along the interior.

There are some wild cards here, however, namely a healthy return from 2018 draftee, NC State defensive tackle Kentavius Street, and last year’s preseason standout, Jullian Taylor.

Both of those players are gunning for Day’s roster spot this season, and a crowded D-line likely means, at best, San Francisco keeps just two of these three players after roster cuts are made.

Given he’s a known pro-level commodity, who is still young, Day might have a leg up on his younger, less-experienced competition. But that alone won’t secure him the job, especially if he is overtaken on the depth chart in training camp.