Hargrave’s production should soar if he’s on the field more in 2024
San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave said the defensive line has been going out to eat as a way to get to know each other. Several new faces are in that room, so it might take a few meals. Hargrave said that bonding makes it easy to play with each other when you know who you’re going to battle with.
Hargrave, known for his concise responses to the media, has set clear goals for himself in the upcoming season. When asked about his plans for ‘24, he expressed his intent to enhance his run defense and win his 1-on-1 battles more swiftly. His next statement, though surprising, reflects his honesty and determination. Hargrave believes that one key to his improvement this season is ‘being in way better shape than I was last year.’
Hargrave missed one game due to injury in 2023. When you look at his snap counts per game, he wasn’t on the field for that many snaps when you think about how much money he’s making.
There were three games last season in which Hargrave played more than 50 snaps: Week 2 (51 out of 80), Week 11(50 out of 71), and the NFC Championship Game (51 out of 72). I know they play different positions, but Nick Bosa, in those same games is playing at least a dozen or so more snaps than Hargrave.
The additions of Maliek Collins and Jordan Elliott should help supplement Hargrave if the team wants to keep him fresh for what figures to be another long season, but Hargrave’s numbers will increase if he’s on the field more in 2024. We’ll be keeping a close eye on his snap counts.