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49ers vs. Broncos: 5 top performances from preseason Week 2

By Robert Morrison

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 19: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers is congratulated by tight end Tyree Mayfield #48 after a fourth quarter touchdown against the Denver Broncos during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 19: Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne #84 of the San Francisco 49ers is congratulated by tight end Tyree Mayfield #48 after a fourth quarter touchdown against the Denver Broncos during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga #78 congratulates outside linebacker Mark Nzeocha #53 for a fourth quarter sack against the Denver Broncos during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 19: Defensive end Jeremiah Valoaga #78 congratulates outside linebacker Mark Nzeocha #53 for a fourth quarter sack against the Denver Broncos during a preseason National Football League game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 19, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Defensive Lineman Jeremiah Valoaga

The 49ers signed defensive lineman Jeremiah Valoaga a few days before the preseason opener, and the former Detroit Lion acquitted himself nicely against Dallas, racking up two tackles (both for loss) and two sacks.

Not to be outdone, Valoaga showed up again in Denver, finishing the contest with seven tackles and half a sack, which he shared with fellow defensive lineman Kentavius Street. Valoaga also added another quarterback hit.

Valoaga, who played his college ball at UNLV, last played in just nine games for the Lions in 2017, where he totaled just five tackles and one sack. The Lions moved him around from the PUP list to being cut/waived, to the practice squad and cut again, before the Dolphins picked him up in September. He was eventually released in May of 2019. The Niners picked him up soon after.

The defensive lineman isn’t particularly experienced at the NFL level, and his college production was moderate at best. In spite all that, Valoaga’s performances thus far in the preseason for the 49ers has shown a guy with a good motor and a nose for the ball. And while he hasn’t gotten much time against top-level competition, he is inserting himself into the conversation for a least a slot on the back end of the roster.

With all the capital the 49ers have put into the defensive line, it will be hard for Valoaga to crack the final 53-man roster. But if he continues to show his worth, he may find a way to sneak in over other players on the bubble, especially if the team ends up keeping a high number of defensive lineman.