Observations from the sideline: Here are 10 early takeaways from 49ers training camp
Training camp intrigue can vary greatly depending on the team.
For example, when coach Kyle Shanahan took over in 2017, there was a ton to glean from the 49ers’ first few practices of training camp. How was he divvying up quarterback snaps? What position battles were there to watch? How were the new draft picks fitting in? After all, he was turning over nearly the entire roster.
It was all interesting because it was all new. Yet, four years later, there aren’t nearly the same interesting things happening on the practice field for the defending NFC champions.
That’s not to pass judgment on the 49ers’ quality. They are a great team loaded with talent at most positions. There just aren’t a whole lot of unknowns. The team is returning 18 of 22 starters. And there appears to be only one real competition for a starting job — and it’s at one of the least glamorous positions on the field: right guard (between Tom Compton and Daniel Brunskill, not exactly household names).
It’s also been difficult to come up with meaningful takeaways because of the new COVID-19 restrictions (this isn’t a complaint, just the reality). Reporters are cordoned off to the far east side of the practice field. So far, the full-team action has happened on the opposite side of the practice field with a wall of players on the sideline blocking our view on two of the three days.
Which leaves reporters asking each other questions like, “Did you see which quarterback threw that?” or “Are the starters or second-string out there?”
Under normal circumstances, when the country isn’t enveloped in a deadly pandemic, reporters are able to move around the entire field, get good views and provide sharper analysis because they can actually see what’s happening. That’s not exactly the case this year.
But that doesn’t mean we’re all completely blind to what’s happening on the field. There have been some things to glean, so here’s a list of quick-hitting takeaways now that we got the bellyaching out of the way.
Rookie receiver gets his shot, battle on the lines and more
Brandon Aiyuk got off to a very strong start at training camp. The rookie receiver was quieter Monday when the pads came on for the first time. But it’s clear, given all the issues at receiver in the early going, such as Deebo Samuel’s foot injury and Jalen Hurd likely being out for the year, getting the No. 25 pick to develop into a Week 1 contributor would be arguably the most significant development of camp.
Trent Williams and Nick Bosa might be the 49ers’ second- and third-best players in some order. The tackle and pass rusher provide by far the best one-on-one matchup on the field. Bosa beat Williams a couple times Sunday. Williams, who didn’t play last year, nearly shut Bosa out Monday. Those two benefit greatly from going against each other in practice – particularly Williams, who has rust to knock off after missing last season.
Javon Kinlaw is an impressive specimen. Ask any of his teammates. His size is noticeable and he’s neck and neck with Williams to be the first guy off the bus. But guard Laken Tomlinson took Kinlaw’s lunch during one-on-one pass rush drills Sunday. The 49ers didn’t do those drills Monday with pads on, but they likely will Tuesday and it’ll be interesting to see if Kinlaw improves against the quality left guard.
Jerick McKinnon could offer the 49ers a lot if he can stay healthy. Yes, there are plenty of questions about the running back’s health after missing the last two seasons. But he didn’t play last year because a graft in his knee didn’t take, so does that mean he’s injury prone or was it just a fluke? Regardless, McKinnon’s been 100 percent healthy since November and he looks ready to go.
Dee Ford looks healthier and more explosive than last season. That’s potentially great news for San Francisco. As good as the pass rush was last season, it was missing Ford for most of it. If he can produce like he did in 2018 with the Kansas City Chiefs, when he led the league in forced fumbles and pressured quarterbacks into several interceptions, the 49ers’ pass rush could be even better this year.
Kwon Alexander will be the “Will” linebacker, not Dre Greenlaw, who is now the full-time “Sam” on the strong side. Shanahan confirmed there won’t be a competition there after Greenlaw replaced Alexander, who was out with a torn pectoral for a chunk of last season. That means Alexander will stay on the field in nickel packages next to Fred Warner despite Greenlaw’s strong rookie campaign.
Trent Taylor returning to 2017 form could be huge for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and the offense. The 49ers missed Taylor last season in the short passing game, which can often work as an extension of the running game. If Taylor stays healthy for the first time in two years, he’ll be on the field as often as any other receiver on key downs.
Cornerback depth might be an issue. This isn’t exactly a surprise. The 49ers have spent the last two practices missing slot corner K’Waun Williams. His replacement has been Jamar Taylor, who’s allowed 18 touchdowns in coverage for seven different teams over his seven NFL seasons, per Pro Football Focus. Richard Sherman is still a star. Emmanuel Moseley has proven to be a capable starter and Ahkello Witherspoon can look like a Pro Bowler at times while needing to get benched at others. Jason Verrett, Tim Harris, Dontae Johnson and Taylor haven’t alleviated concerns about depth in the secondary. Put more simply, the team can’t afford injuries at cornerback.
Garoppolo has had a nondescript camp so far. He hasn’t been great, nor has he been terrible. He hasn’t thrown an interception during team drills and it’s clear his receiving corps is still going through growing pains. There have been a lot of check-down throws to running backs. On the other hand, Garoppolo has worn three different colors of Jordan X cleats during the first three practices. That’s encouraging news for all you sneakerheads following along.
Solomon Thomas and Kentavius Street appear to have bulked up. Both players joined the 49ers as defensive ends who can kick inside. But it seems apparent their mandate during the offseason was to get stronger to play on the interior more often. That seems like Thomas’ best avenue toward a productive career. Street, meanwhile, has shown explosiveness on the inside and could provide an upgrade over Sheldon Day, who had a bit role last season at three technique and nose tackle.
This story was originally published August 18, 2020 at 4:00 AM.