Niner Noise
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49ers’ 2019 ‘Who Is?’ series: Defensive tackle D.J. Jones

By Peter Panacy

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: D.J. Jones #96 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles Latavius Murray #25 of the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 27: D.J. Jones #96 of the San Francisco 49ers tackles Latavius Murray #25 of the Minnesota Vikings in the preseason game on August 27, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 32-31. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The San Francisco 49ers are turning primary interior run-defense duties over to third-year defensive tackle D.J. Jones in 2019, and here’s what to expect this season.

Early in 2019, the San Francisco 49ers elected not to keep going with veteran nose tackle Earl Mitchell, parting ways with him and opening up the door for third-year pro D.J. Jones to assume the starting 1-technique role in base formats this upcoming season.

Jones had been making solid headway in this direction ever since the Niners selected him in Round 6 of the 2017 NFL Draft. His rookie season, Jones saw just over 13 percent of defensive snaps. That number increased to over 22 percent last season.

With Mitchell out of the picture, Jones should get an even bigger uptick in 2019.

D.J. Jones Defense & Fumbles Table
GameGameDefTackTackTackTackTack
YearAgeTmPosNo.GGSPDCombSoloAstTFLQBHits
201722SFO93901108210
201823SFOldt931041711611
CareCare19412719821

Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 6/7/2019.

San Francisco’s switch to a wide-9 defensive line alignment also has an effect on Jones, who’ll bear a much more crucial run-stopping role this season.

Fortunately, it looks as if Jones should be up to the task.

Since the 49ers are asking a lot of Jones this season, what will be the reasons behind an improvement? And why would Jones regress in 2019?

Niner Noise’s 2019 “Who Is?” series takes a deeper look.

Why D.J. Jones Improves in 2019

The 6-foot-0, 321-pound Jones epitomizes what coordinator Robert Saleh prefers for his 1-technique in base formations. Jones has never been a sack specialist, and the Niners aren’t likely to deploy him in these situations much anyway.

What’s good, though, is Jones’ Pro Football Focus run-defense grade improved from 57.5 to 63.9 between 2017 and 2018, meaning a continuing trend should all but guarantee his importance in this role.

Jones’ incredible strength is something which will only help his ability to penetrate interior blockers, bringing down ball carriers at, or near, the line of scrimmage.

Why D.J. Jones Regresses

It’s possible Jones won’t be up to the task this season. Keep in mind, the NFC West is a run-first division, particularly with the Seattle Seahawks (who led the NFL in rushing last season), the run- and play-action pass-heavy Los Angeles Rams and running back David Johnson’s Arizona Cardinals.

Jones has had some issues with missed tackles, too, including three in limited action last season.

If Jones struggles in that area, the 49ers may be pressed to make some changes up front.

Expected Role with the 49ers in 2019

While Jones looks to assume the starting nose tackle role this season, it won’t translate into him seeing a ton of the field in 2019.

Nickel and sub packages have become the norm in today’s pass-happy NFL, and base formations typically see the field no more than 33 percent of the time. That means Jones’ increase in defensive snaps will only reach a certain point. He’ll often be in goal-line and short-yardage situations, which is fine. And there is importance in those snaps.

If Jones can serve as that key interior cog, his presence will be well felt.

Next. Why defensive line is a position battle to watch in 49ers training camp. dark

And that’s all San Francisco needs him to do this season.