Three burning questions the San Francisco 49ers need to answer against the New Orleans Saints
The San Francisco 49ers welcome the New Orleans Saints to Levi's Stadium on the second for their sole preseason game at Levi's Stadium this year. San Francisco's home fans will see some starters play some snaps, with Brock Purdy expected to feature for at least a series. While it will be interesting to see how […]
The San Francisco 49ers welcome the New Orleans Saints to Levi's Stadium on the second for their sole preseason game at Levi's Stadium this year.
San Francisco's home fans will see some starters play some snaps, with Brock Purdy expected to feature for at least a series.
While it will be interesting to see how Purdy looks after his first full offseason as the starting quarterback, his performance won't count for much outside of knocking the rust off.
The burning questions pertain to players deeper down the depth chart.
Who's the second backup tackle?
The 49ers continue to have huge confidence in Jaylon Moore, who missed the preseason opener versus the Tennessee Titans because of illness, the 2021 fifth-round pick likely to be the backup to Trent Williams at left tackle following performances in training camp for which he has been significantly praised.
But the 49ers will probably want to keep two backup tackles on the roster behind Williams, assuming his holdout eventually ends, and Colton McKivitz. It's just unclear at this point who that other tackle is likely to be.
Chris Hubbard started at left tackle against the Titans but was somewhat unconvincing for a player of his experience. The 49ers also added another veteran in the form of Brandon Parker, who did not allow a pressure in nine pass blocking snaps, not nearly enough of a sample size to make a firm judgement on whether he should make the final 53.
Offensive line coach Chris Foerster said the team will try Hubbard and Parker at both tackle spots as they look to determine who would be the best option to keep on the active roster. With the starters likely to play more in the third and final preseason game, the encounter with the Saints could serve as the last true opportunity for the two veterans to make their respective cases.
Is the D-Line depth good enough?
The 49ers' starting defensive line remains one of the best in the NFL even after the departure of Arik Armstead. Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd should prove a formidable edge duo, while Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins each possess significant pass-rushing prowess from the interior.
However, the depth behind that quartet is lacking, especially after a knee injury to defensive tackle Kalia Davis that will see him miss the first half of the season.
Though free agent signing Yetur Gross-Matos displayed some of the upside that convinced the 49ers to acquire him in the preseason opener, the Niners' other edge backups generated little disruption against Tennessee. Robert Beal Jr. and Alex Barrett struggled to make an impact, while T.Y. McGill, Shakel Brown and Evan Anderson were largely ineffective from a pass-rushing sense at defensive tackle.
If the first-string D-Line plays, it likely won't be for long. So the test on that side of the trenches for the 49ers will concern whether those in the second and third-string can make enough of an impact to convince the Niners they do have sufficient depth in that area. Should they fail in that regard, San Francisco could be compelled to make outside additions before the start of the season.
Are late-round rookies ready?
Though there will be more attention on the snaps the starters play, perhaps of greater importance in terms of the final 53 will be the performance of some of the 49ers' late-round rookies.
Sixth-round guard Jarrett Kingston did not give up a pressure in his San Francisco debut playing at right guard in the second half against Tennessee, however, with a string of injuries on the interior offensive line limiting the 49ers' options, he will potentially have the opportunity to prove his versatility by excelling on the left side. Should he do so, Kingston's chances of cracking the 53 will vastly improve.
Seventh-rounder Tatum Bethune was arguably the 49ers' standout performer versus the Titans, and another strong outing from the linebacker would go a long way to convincing San Francisco he is worth carrying on the active roster in year one. Similarly with the aforementioned injuries on the defensive line and comparable issues at running back, undrafted free agents Anderson and Cody Schrader have another chance to prove they are immediately ready for the big time.
One day-three pick who has had little chance to shine as yet is fourth-round wide receiver Jacob Cowing. The speedster has been severely limited by injuries but, after a strong week of practice, the former Arizona star has an opportunity to prove he can be an asset either on offense as a deep threat or on special teams.
With several picks already impressing, the early signs are good for the 49ers with this year's draft. The Saints game could reveal a lot in terms of how many of their selections are in a position to contribute right away.
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