49ers Position Battles at Training Camp

With training camp underway, the battles to make the active roster begin. The Niners have lost talent in recent years to free agency therefore many of the position battles are rookies and undrafted free agents vs. veterans.

Quarterback
Great news on Brock Purdy’s first day that his arm is fine with no loss of velocity after elbow surgery, that he played poorly is to be expected with no offseason work. At QB2, Mike Florio and Chris Simms are talking up Sam Darnold yet again, but logic would give the edge to Trey Lance as a veteran of the system. On Day 2 of camp, all of the quarterbacks played poorly, but the league’s top-ranked defense will be ahead of the offense throughout camp.

Even if Darnold were to be named QB2 the question that’s never asked is how long would he keep it? Given Darnold’s propensity to turn the ball over, a potential stay at QB2 would likely be short-lived.

Some talk of now that Purdy has proven his health trade Lance, but there have only been a handful of post-draft QB trades since every slot is filled leaguewide. In addition, the most a post-draft QB trade has brought back in the last five years is a conditional 4th. There may be a Lance trade at the deadline depending on injuries, but I expect his trade window is not open until before the draft.

Prediction: QB1 Brock Purdy, QB2 Trey Lance, QB3 Sam Darnold.

Running Back
Ty Davis-Price came to camp in great shape and had an impact on Day 1 including a 30-yard pass play. Khalan Laborn had a 10-yard run on day one. I believe Labron is the more gifted back and a breakaway threat, but I keep coming back to Grant Cohn’s last conversation with running back coach Bobby Turner, when Turner pumped the brakes on Laborn. The Niners may be hoping they can sneak Laborn through on waivers, but that’s a risk.

Elijah Mitchell remains a health concern. There’s speculation he could be dealt based on recent Niner history, but clubs know of the injury history, and unlike past years, the Niners have a full cupboard for the upcoming draft. I expect any trade offers would only be 5th rounders and Mitchell stays.

Prediction: Ty Davis-Price RB4.

Wide Receiver
On Day 2, the Niners had Ray-Ray McCloud and Danny Gray fielding punts. That may be a roster battle where one is the returner and the other is cut. McCloud is more versatile. Some keep talking up Danny Gray, but I find they are more invested in the idea of Danny Gray, in having the deep threat, than focusing on the player himself and his reliance on body catches. Rookie Ronnie Bell, practice squad veteran Tay Martin, and third down threat Jauan Jennings are competing for two slots.

Prediction: WR3 Jajuan Jennings, WR4 Ray-Ray McCloud, WR5 Ronnie Bell.

Tight End
The first three are locked in with George Kittle and the two rookies. The competition is TE4 vs. any other position group where the Niners need a slot for the active roster. The best use of the rookies would be to carry three tight ends.

Prediction: There are too many needs elsewhere to carry a 4th tight end.

Offensive Line
If Day 1 becomes the trend line where the right side of the line is ineffective in the running game, then the Niners will need to be open to adding depth or competition to Colton McKivitz. In my view, they will keep a careful eye on the waiver wire in search of a right tackle. If that happens, the roster battle is for eight slots. Jon Feliciano is one of the backups, leaving a large group to battle for the two remaining slots. Jason Poe was recognized for his work on the practice squad last year and I’d give him an edge.

Prediction: OL7 Jason Poe, OL8 Leroy Watson, OL9 - a tackle signed off waivers or in free agency.

Defensive Line
This is one of the tightest competitions in camp. The starting four, Clelin Ferrell, rookie Robert Beal Jr., and Kevin Givens should be locks, leaving two wild cards. A now healthy Javon Kinlaw should have the lead for one, but he will have to prove his health over the length of camp. For the remaining slot, Kalia Davis provides a unique physical skill set. Kerry Hyder has success in the system, T.Y. McGill closed the year well, UDFA Spencer Waege has shown flashes.

Prediction: DL8 Javon Kinlaw, DL9 Kalia Davis.

Linebacker
Oren Burks got the first shot at LB3 on day one, a signal that special teams will play a critical role in who makes the linebacker group this year. The recent signing of USFL linebacker Kyahva Tezino is not a vote of confidence in the rookies and backups. Tezino had nine tackles for loss and two forced fumbles with two touchdowns. The competition will be intense among great athletes.

Prediction: LB4 Marcelino McCreary-Ball, LB5 Dee Winters, LB6 Kyahva Tezino

Secondary
Moving Darrell Luter Jr. to the Physically Unable to Perform list adds a temporary slot. The returning starters, Sam Womack, Isaiah Oliver, and J’Ayir Brown are locks. Two slots remain. Sacramento's Terrance Mitchell was just signed but faces a tough climb to make the team. Given that DB/Safety hybrid Myles Hartsfield adds versatility and played for defensive coordinator Steve Wilks he should land one of the openings, with the other to special teams ace George Odom. Look for the Niners to carry at least two DBs on the practice squad.

Prediction: DB/S 8 Myles Hartsfield, S 9 George Odom.