49ers roster: Look for Kalia Davis to redshirt rookie year

The 49ers added former UCF defensive tackle Kalia Davis late in the 2022 NFL Draft, and it might be a full year before he makes any impact.

San Francisco 49ers fans may have winced a little bit when general manager John Lynch used the team’s second of three sixth-round picks, No. 220 overall, on former UCF defensive tackle Kalia Davis.

Why? Well, the move likely reminded many a Niners fan of what former GM Trent Baalke used to do, grabbing players in the draft who were coming off an ACL tear.

That’s what happened to Davis after five games played with the Knights in 2021. And as Baalke used to hope, San Francisco is now banking on Davis not having to make an immediate impact right away but potentially emerging as a solid rotational piece for the defensive line.

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Generated 6/13/2022.

Davis, who also opted out of his 2020 campaign because of the pandemic, was a converted linebacker who bulked up to 302 pounds and probably could have been a Round 4 draft pick had it not been for his unfortunate injury.

All told, what chances will Davis have to make an impact in his rookie season? Or are we looking at another move where the 49ers are hoping Davis’ skills are made apparent a full year after he was drafted?

Kalia Davis scouting report for 2022 NFL Draft

At 6-foot-1, Davis epitomizes the short, squatty nose tackle in the 4-3 defense the Niners operate, and it’s not hard to think they’d be looking to turn him into a long-term replacement for one of their former late-round draft picks, now-Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones, who left via free agency this offseason.

Check out what NFL.com’s Chad Reuter said about Davis in his draft profile:

"One-gapping three-technique with terrific snap quickness that creates early advantages with the potential to become full-scale disruptions. Davis is a former linebacker with above-average bend, foot quickness and athleticism to create mismatches for lumbering guards. He needs more schooling and refinement as both a run defender and pass rusher to become capable of competing against the spectrum of talent he will see on the next level. He hasn’t played much football over the last two seasons, but his explosive flashes could foreshadow a bright upside as a disruptive, upfield talent."

It’s apparent San Francisco is hoping for the upside despite Davis’ injury and the general lack of field time the last two years.

If that works, perhaps the 49ers get another Jones-like player at a bargain.

Why Kalia Davis redshirts his rookie season with 49ers

Lynch, who cited the aforementioned comparison between the rookie and Jones, also admitted there was a chance Davis might not be ready by the time Week 1 rolls around (h/t 49ers Webzone):

"Kalia Davis, he’s a guy we see a lot of D.J. Jones in. That type of explosion. Had an ACL injury. We’re going to take our time to make sure Kalia is right, so I’m not sure if he’ll be ready for the start of the regular season.He could be a PUP guy, but [we] really just love [him]. He fits exactly who we want to be as a defensive tackle, and we became very fond of him through the process."

Read More: Breaking down 49ers’ 2022 draft selection of Kalia Davis

Note, Lynch referred to the physically unable-to-perform list. But since the injury occurred in the collegiate ranks, it could actually qualify for a non-football injury.

At any rate, there’s a strong chance Davis winds up being redshirted his rookie year because of this, not seeing the field at all in 2022 and instead hoping for 2023.

Additionally, the sheer number of players the Niners have on their defensive line would make it tough for Davis to work his way into the rotation. That picture might look a bit different a year from now, and it might be in Davis’ best interests to wait it out until a more favorable opportunity presents itself.

Heck, maybe San Francisco’s long-failing attempts at grabbing injured players and stashing them for a year or more finally pay off with Davis.