The trade of defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the Colts at the start of the 2020 league year threw the interior of the 49ers’ defensive line into flux. They’ll be replacing a player who played 810 defensive snaps and excelled on all three downs.
Matching Buckner’s production is likely going to take a group of players as part of a rotation. The battle for the interior spots is going to be fascinating since there are so many capable players on the roster. It’s worth noting Arik Armstead will likely share some of those duties, but he was discussed in our look at the 49ers’ defensive ends.
Here’s how the defensive tackle depth chart projection looks heading into camp:
Javon Kinlaw
The 49ers used the 13th overall pick they got in the Buckner deal to move down one spot and select Kinlaw No. 14 overall out of South Carolina. He has all the physical tools to fill the void left by Buckner, but it may take a season for him to round into peak form. Kinlaw is 6-5, 319 pounds and athletic with a good motor. The Gamecocks often played him at nose tackle where his overall statistical production suffered. He finished his career with 10.0 sacks in 29 games. However, the 49ers will play him plenty at the 3-technique where he should play some effective snaps early on.