It is a new era in San Francisco. While the core remains intact at Head Coach, General Manager, and quarterback and the face of the franchise Christian McCaffrey is back as well, the Niners defense in particular saw a facelift. Because they are the only team in the NFL with three players earning over $30 million on average, the mid-tier veterans can no longer be afforded. The interior defensive line in particular lost Maliek Collins and Javon Hargrave. While Alfred Collins and CJ West were drafted, the need for a veteran presence was needed. The team signed Jordan Elliot last offseason to start. He is back and is the highest paid player in the position group. The 27-year old sixth-year pro has never had a multi-sack game nor did he record even one in 2024. At best he has proven to be a veteran stop gap.
When we talk about patching together a defensive line, Givens may be the poster boy. An undrafted free agent out of Penn State in 2019, he didn’t see the field much as a rookie but in 2020 he started to prove what he could be as a pass rusher. Since then, he’s recorded double digit pressures including last season where he finished second on the team in interior pressures, first among those that are returning. At 6’1” / 285 pounds, he lacks size but the new Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh favors speed and quickness over size inside. He also has rookie Alfred Collins (6’6/332) to lean on. The personality of this defense needs to start up front with capable pass rushers and that is where Givens shines.
Prediction: Givens
Saleh was not with the club when the team pursued Elliot. He was with the club when Givens, the fifth longest player on the Niners roster, signed with the club and broke out as a rotational defender. While this will undoubtedly be a rotation-rich defensive line, Givens brings security when it comes to consistent production and the previous relationship with Saleh.