SF 49ers: 4 biggest unsung heroes over first 11 games of 2020
By Peter Panacy
No. 3: SF 49ers Defensive Tackle Kevin Givens
The SF 49ers were without starting nose tackle D.J. Jones (reserve/COVID-19 list) for Week 12, and that’s been just one notable shortage along a banged-up defensive line this season.
But worry not, as second-year reserve nose tackle Kevin Givens made his presence felt with an impressive two-tackle, one-quarterback hit performance in his first-ever start at the NFL level.
Givens even recorded a fumble recovery, too.
On the year, Givens has seen a total of 327 defensive snaps (47 percent) and posted a highly respectable 65.9 Pro Football Focus grade in the process. Considering Jones is heading towards free agency next season and the Niners may be hard-pressed to re-sign him, at least they know Givens could be a reliable option on the cheap to possibly fill Jones’ void.
Givens already has a sack this season to go along with 13 tackles, four of which are for a loss, along with three quarterback hits.
He’s already shown to be an asset against the run, and the stats suggest he offers a little bit in the pass rush, too.
Like the other players on this list, little was expected out of Givens this season. But he’s delivered much more than what was anticipated.