49ers roster: 3 players who break out in a big way in 2021
By Tee Epps
No. 2: 49ers Nose Tackle D.J. Jones
The next player who I believe is in store for a breakout season in 2021 is defensive tackle D.J. Jones.
He has an uncanny knack for clogging up space in the trenches and pursuing the ball carrier with a relentlessly high motor.
Jones was a sixth-round pick for San Francisco back in the 2017 NFL Draft. And since then, Jones has emerged as one of the unsung heroes along the defensive line. The five-year vet has appeared in 44 games with the Niners, and the 2020 season was his most productive year so far. Racking up three quarterback sacks, seven tackles for losses and playing in 14 games (the most of his career), has propelled Jones’ value to the team.
Read More: 49ers post-OTA 53-man roster projections
If the 49ers continue to get healthy, along with all the new additions acclimating themselves into the system, Jones should get a lot more opportunities to wreak havoc. I totally expect his numbers to substantially increase this year, mainly because of his running mates designated for return.
If that happens, the 49ers just may find themselves back in serious championship contention.