San Francisco 49ers: Candidates to lose playing time in 2018

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 17: Tight end Garrett Celek #88 of the San Francisco 49ers scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Earl Mitchell #90 of the San Francisco 49ers and DeForest Buckner #99 react to missed field goal by the Houston Texans in the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Earl Mitchell

The 49ers invested a decent amount in Mitchell to their 1-technique defensive tackle last year, and they would be forgiven for expecting more. Mitchell was given a four-year, $16 million contract but, in over 55 percent of defensive snaps, struggled to make an impact.

His position does not lend itself to success rushing the passer, with the 1-technqiue effectively serving as a 4-3 nose, but he also had issues against the run.

The former Houston Texan and Miami Dolphin was consistently blown off the ball by double teams and lacks the athleticism to deal with the outside zone runs that are a prominent feature in modern-day ground attacks.

Mitchell still has three years left on his contract, which means he could be around for a while longer. However, with the nickel increasingly prominent and sixth-round pick D.J. Jones displaying enough flashes of promise in his rookie year to suggest he could cut into the veteran’s snaps, expect a quieter 2018 for Mitchell.