SF 49ers: 5 backups who’ll be starters by end of 2020 season
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: SF 49ers Defensive Tackle Kevin Givens
The SF 49ers should consider, depending on a multitude of circumstances, giving backup defensive tackle Kevin Givens some snaps over starting nose tackle D.J. Jones as the season moves along.
Perhaps a start or two here and there, too.
Jones is the superior nose tackle, yes. There isn’t any questioning that. But Givens has already proven to be a reliable member of San Francisco’s run-stopping defense, as his 68.6 Pro Football Focus suggests. Additionally, Givens has three quarterback pressures to his credit so far this season, whereas Jones has only one.
But the bigger reason would be to see if the Niners have something in Givens worth developing in coming seasons.
Jones, a four-year pro, is playing on a contract year and will be a free agent in 2021. Run-stopping defensive linemen rarely command huge cash amounts in comparison to pass-rushers, yet the cash-strapped 49ers may be pressed into letting Jones walk once the season comes to a close.
Givens, a second-year undrafted free agent, could easily wind up being a long-term replacement on the cheap.
If the season starts to get away from San Francisco, which is entirely possible, it would be worth looking at whether or not Givens is worth an increased role.