49ers training camp: 3 storylines no one is talking about
By Peter Panacy
49ers Training Camp Storyline No. 2: Kevin Givens’ Development
With a star-studded defensive line, including Nick Bosa, Dee Ford and the rookie, Javon Kinlaw, it’s certainly understandable why so little attention has been given to the depth members of the upfront rotation. And when D-line depth stories are talked about, they almost always center around defensive end Solomon Thomas and whether or not more-frequent snaps along the interior are going to be to his benefit.
Speaking of giving attention, more attention needs to be given to second-year pro defensive tackle Kevin Givens, who has quietly moved his way up the depth chart.
Givens, 6-foot-1 and 285 pounds, is arguably the best reserve option for nose tackle D.J. Jones, who has been banged up in training camp with both a shoulder injury and concussion.
Observation from one-on-one pass-rush drills not including Trent Williams and Nick Bosa: Rookie guard Colton McKivitz definitely got the best of his matchups vs. defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw. In team work, Kevin Givens gives McKivitz a lot more problems.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 22, 2020
Givens, who saw action in just one regular-season game a year ago, has enough promise and poise to stand out as a primary depth member of the D-line. This could be important, especially after the Niners lost veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Day to free agency during the offseason.
And given Jones’ recent injury stretch, it’d be a smart move for San Francisco to ensure a backup player of this ilk would be capable of providing an impact.