San Francisco 49ers: 5 current players who won’t make 2021 roster
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: 49ers Defensive Tackle Kentavius Street
Injuries were a common and unfortunate thing for the 49ers in 2020, yet one of the bonuses was many a depth piece on the Niners roster got to see added field time over the course of the season.
In the case of nose tackle Kevin Givens, he thrived with the increased opportunity. Fellow defensive tackle Kentavius Street, however, didn’t quite look like he’d relish the chance to take advantage.
Street, who missed his rookie year in 2018 after tearing his ACL at his pro day workouts, was hardly a factor in 2019 and saw action on only 37 defensive snaps last season, amassing just 11 tackles, zero sacks and no quarterback hits. Despite his well-known strength, it wouldn’t appear as if Street has proverbially “put it all together.”
Not necessarily a natural nose tackle, Street nonetheless will see the interior competition along San Francisco’s defensive line heat up in training camp following the re-signing of nose tackle D.J. Jones and the free-agent pickup of former Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Zach Kerr, both to one-year deals.
Kerr, in particular, could threaten Street’s hold on a roster spot, especially if the 49ers hold more regard for Givens as a depth piece.
If so, the Niners’ attempt to redshirt and then develop Street after selecting him in Round 4 of the 2018 NFL Draft never came close to panning out to desired expectations.