Kaelon Black and De'Zhaun Stribling may have dominated the San Francisco 49ers' Week 1 rookie report, but with San Francisco's sound victory over the Miami Dolphins, the attention shifted to the defense.
Romello Height and Gracen Halton both started, headlining a six-rookie combination used by head coach Kyle Shanahan during the 35-13 victory.
Romello Height and Gracen Halton lead 49ers rookie class
It's a big deal when a rookie makes their first start, but it's a much larger affair when they accompany that start with their first career sack. But that's exactly what Height did. To top it off, the sack couldn't have come at a bigger time. With just over 10 and a half minutes remaining in the second quarter, on 3rd-and-10, Height brought down Dolphins QB Malik Willis on the Niners' own 10-yard line.
Officially it was recorded for no loss, but it effectively ended the drive and forced the Dolphins to settle for the field goal. Obviously the game went another way, and one touchdown wouldn't have made the difference, but that's exactly the kind of defense we need to see. Height was later listed as questionable due to a hand injury, but returned in the third quarter and finished out the game.
Like Height, Gracen Halton also earned the start. He put together an impressive combined five tackles on the day, one of which was a tackle for loss late in the fourth quarter.
Height and Halton together combined for six tackles, one sack, and a tackle for loss.
Kaelon Black again contributed well on the offensive side of the ball, posting 25 yards across seven carries. His longest official run of the day came in at 6 yards, making his average yards per carry only 3.6. It was a good sign for the rookie's second outing, and he'll surely be a name to watch for the remainder of the season.
Jaden Dugger and James Thompson Jr. both supplied good defense as well. While neither of them received the start, both posted a solo and assisted tackle as substitutes. Dugger wasn't as impactful as he was in Week 1, but his stats remain a good showing. Thompson was listed as questionable to return in the third, and he left the field under his own power, but he did not return.
Carver Willis also took part in the contest, but did not record any individual statistic.
All in all, the rookies had a good showing for their first game at Levi Stadium. With two wins in the books, the 49ers rookies are already banking meaningful snaps. Height and Halton led the way this time, but the early returns only suggest that this group of rookies can get a lot stronger over the course of the season.
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