The San Francisco 49ers, thankfully, have some key defensive linemen back this season. They might also get a boost from a rookie who made a strong first impression. Gracen Halton, the team's fourth-round pick, had a solid debut in San Francisco, earning a 73.6 overall PFF grade across 30 snaps.
He was extra effective against the run, where he posted a 75.0 PFF run-defense grade and recorded four run stops without missing a tackle. Sports news: Bears QB Tyson Bagent is a Player to Watch That's a great start for a player who could have a chance to make an impact sooner rather than later. The 49ers had lots of room for improvement against the run last season.
Their interior defensive linemen combined for a league-worst 27.0 PFF run-defense grade. Halton obviously won't be expected to fix everything on his own, but his first preseason performance gives San Francisco another reason to see what he can do with time on the field. More sports: Steelers QB Will Howard Deserves More Praise for Preseason Performance If he can continue making plays against the run and show that the first game wasn't a fluke, Halton could work his way onto the field earlier than anticipated.
The chance could come alongside newcomer Osa Odighizuwa, giving the 49ers another possible piece to work with as they look to improve the interior of their defensive line. It's still early, and one preseason game doesn't tell the whole story. But Halton gave San Francisco something worth following.
For a team that struggled so badly against the run last season, finding a rookie who can consistently make stops in that area would be an exciting development. Halton may not be getting much fanfare yet, but he has already given the 49ers a reason to keep an eye on him.
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