49ers rookies report to training camp on Tuesday
For the 49ers, the offseason is over, well at least for the coaches and the newest members of the roster. San Francisco's rookie class will report to training camp on Tuesday as the Niners ramp up preparations for another run at the Super Bowl. Given the 49ers did not own a first or second-round pick […]
For the 49ers, the offseason is over, well at least for the coaches and the newest members of the roster.
San Francisco's rookie class will report to training camp on Tuesday as the Niners ramp up preparations for another run at the Super Bowl.
Given the 49ers did not own a first or second-round pick in this year's draft, there is unlikely to much hype around their rookie class. San Francisco has one of the deepest rosters in the NFL, so the path to significant playing time on offense or defense for any of their rookies figures to be a difficult one.
Still, there are several first-year players who are worth keeping tabs on.
The 49ers' top pick, third-round selection Ji'Ayir Brown is a versatile playmaker at the safety position. He could see action in three-safety looks as a rookie while it would be no surprise to see new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks utilize his strengths as a blitzer right off the bat.
Brown caught the eye with his success in creating turnovers in OTAs and minicamp, so it will be interesting to see if he can push Tashaun Gipson for the starting free safety spot.
Beyond Brown, Jake Moody will be under the spotlight throughout the year after the 49ers made the surprising decision to spend one of their three third-round picks on the Michigan kicker.
Also of interest will be the progress of tight ends Cameron Latu and Brayden Willis.
Draft status suggests Latu is the more likely to see the field early having been selected with the 49ers' final third-round pick, but seventh-rounder Willis' versatility in being able to play as a fullback and a H-back should boost his chances of not only making the roster but eventually seeing his varied skill set harnessed by Kyle Shanahan.
San Francisco's track record of hitting on fifth-round picks may place some premature expectations on Robert Beal Jr.
Beal will look to follow in the footsteps of the likes of George Kittle, Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga in making a swift impact as a fifth-rounder.
However, the edge rusher will not be far up the depth chart with Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa and former second-round pick Drake Jackson likely to see the majority of snaps at defensive end. There should be no pressure on Beal and that is the case for most rookies save for Moody and perhaps Brown.
The 49ers don't necessarily need much from their draft class this season beyond special teams but, from Tuesday, San Francisco's rookies will set out to prove they can make an immediate difference in the Niners' quest to win the Lombardi Trophy.
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