The San Francisco 49ers invested heavily in their defensive line in recent years, spending first round picks on Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, and Solomon Thomas in consecutive drafts. All three are being counted on to build this defense, but two reserves added last year could find themselves earning more playing time.
D.J. Jones led the team in Pro Football Focus grading, while Sheldon Day earned a spot on PFF’s team of the week for preseason Week 2. Jones had two run stops and a forced fumble in run defense, and added two quarterback hurries in nine pass rush snaps.