5 Players To Watch During 49ers Training Camp
Obviously, the quarterback competition is going to be a focus for most fans and media. It's arguably the main competition during camp. I could take the easy way out and name all three quarterbacks, but I don't like taking the easy route.
Defensive Tackle Kalia Davis
A 2022 NFL Draft selection for the 49ers who was redshirted due to a torn ACL his final season in college. A player that could make an immediate impact in the run game to allow the top defensive tackles on the roster a rest. Davis is a player that is reminiscent of former 49ers defensive tackle D.J. Jones. A short stout run defender that can beat centers and guards with their athleticism. Davis should be competing for a backup role with Kevin Givens who struggled last season in the run game and Javon Kinlaw a first-round pick that has not panned out yet. The emergence of Davis could even give the 49ers the ability to explore trade options for Kinlaw and save themselves $2.7 million in cap space for 2023.
Running Back Jordan Mason
A quick fan favorite last season when he burst onto the scene. The 2022 undrafted free agent who played better than 2022 3rd-round pick Tyrion Davis-Price. Mason provides the 49ers with a physical runner who is looking to finish every run falling forward. Not only is he a physical runner, he has a quick burst which is super important in Kyle Shanahan's offense. Mason will be competing with often-injured Elijah Mitchell for the backup role behind Cristian McCaffrey. Mason could make Mitchell expendable. Mason averaged six yards a carry last season and has gotten high praise from McCaffrey for expanding his receiving ability. Look for Mason to surpass Mitchell on the depth charts.
Wide Receiver Danny Gray
A speedster selected in the 3rd round of the 2022 draft. Danny Gray like Brandon Aiyuk seemed to be placed in Shanahan's famous dog house. Danny Gray was a one tricky pony last season. He only knew how to use his speed to run straight. This offseason he developped a better route tree, which was on display during OTA's and Minicamp. Danny Gray can become the 49ers 3rd receiver behind Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. If he's able to use his speed to press onto the defensive backs toes and create separation he may be able to display his speed during the season. He also will need to show more willingness to block in the run game. This could be a make or break season for Gray, the time is now. My suggestion for Gray is to follow Aiyuk everywhere he goes and ask him a million questions to see what he needs to do to get out of the dog house. If he is unable to do this, well it may be another bust of a 3rd round draft selection for the 49ers.
Defensive End Robert Beal Jr
The 2023 5th round draft pick by the 49ers. Behind Nick Bosa the 49ers do not have anyone on the outside that puts fear in opposing offenses. Beal is capable of getting after the quarterback fast. While Bosa is out getting his contract situated Beal needs to take advantage of the extra reps. Beal needs to take advantage of his 34 5/8' arms and his 4.48 speed off the edge. Beal can make an immediate impact as a rotational pass rusher passing downs. Beal is a player to watch as he compete for reps with Kerry Hyder. If Beal makes a drastic run he could push for a starting role as the 49er potential starter opposite of Bosa is second year player Drake Jackson who didn't see much action during his rookie season. Beal could be the missing speed off the edge the 49ers have been missing since Dee Ford. Beal will be a player to keep an eye one against the 49ers offensive tackles that are thin behind Trent Williams.
Safety Ji'Ayir Brown
The 49ers traded up in the 3rd round to select Brown. Brown had a strong showing during OTAs and minicamp. He reportedly had three interceptions during OTA's. The 49ers may have found themselves a starting free safety to replace Tashaun Gipson. Brown may be used in three safety sets, but if you look at the draft capital spent on Brown and the contract of Gipson, Brown may be a starter by the end of the season if he continues his stellar play. The 49ers could slowly implement Brown in with the starters towards the end of training camp to see if he is capable of handling the starting role. If Gipson is willing to mentor the young safety like he did with Talanoa Hufanga, the 49ers will be in good shape with their top three safeties. It's just a matter of time until Brown is the starting free safety for the 49ers.
Plenty of fun players to watch throughout training camp, these are five players I will have my eye on closely.
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