The San Francisco 49ers had high expectations for defensive end Drake Jackson, selecting him as their second-round draft pick last year. Despite offseason buzz about his physical transformation and readiness for the upcoming season, the 22-year-old has slipped down the depth chart, playing only 25 total defensive snaps over the last two games.
Matt Barrows of The Athletic recently wrote that, with the acquisition of defensive end Chase Young, Jackson could end up being the "odd man out in the D-line rotation on game days."
After an impressive three-sack performance in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jackson's presence on the field has been less noticeable in subsequent games. Is there any disappointment within the organization about Jackson's performance this season?
"I wouldn't call it disappointment," general manager John Lynch told The Athletic's Tim Kawakami in a recent podcast conversation. "I think he's going through some struggles that you see players go through. I would say Drake's been a little nicked up, too. He's been dealing with some things that [have him] just not feeling at full strength all the time.
"So I think fighting through things, had a tremendous offseason, a very talented young man. [He] started the season with a bang, with three sacks, and the second year is an interesting year for players. I've always thought that. And I think you continue to work and throw energy and time into a guy like Drake because of what he ultimately can become."
In his eight games this season, Jackson has notched seven tackles, including two for a loss, three quarterback hits, and a pass defensed, in addition to his three sacks. Although the arrival of Young may lead to a decrease in his role, the 49ers' general manager remains optimistic that the team's competitive nature will ultimately work in Jackson's favor.
"And so, sure, competition, we believe, brings the best out of everyone, and Drake's going to have to fight to earn the reps," Lynch said. "All these guys will because it's a real good mix of guys. And we're going to put the best eight or nine out there every week."