The Good and Not So Good from Day 18 of 49ers Training Camp 2023

SANTA CLARA -- Here's who stood out on Day 18 of 49ers training camp 2023.

THE GOOD

1. DT Javon Hargrave.

He may not be in peak condition yet, but he still has the first-step quickness that makes him elite, and he never rushes directly into an offensive lineman's chest -- he always works an edge of the lineman's body. Which means even when Hargrave gets blocked, he doesn't stay blocked for long. And that's why he won almost all of his reps during 1 on 1s today and recorded a sack during 11 on 11s.

2. DT Kalia Davis.

Beat starting center Jake Brendel during 1 on 1s. Like Hargrave, Davis keeps his pads low and always attacks an edge rather than the center of a blocker's body. He might be the 49ers' best backup defensive tackle.

3. DT Javon Kinlaw.

Doesn't always keep his pads low or work an edge, but he does bat down passes, and today he nearly picked off Brock Purdy, but tipped the ball to himself and dropped it. After the play, Kinlaw did 10 pushups on the field to punish himself for botching the interception.

4. DT Drake Jackson.

Yes, defensive tackle. That's the position where he rushes the quarterback the best. As an edge rusher, he rarely wins. But as an interior rusher, he's extremely quick and difficult to block -- think Arden Key. The 49ers may have found a home for Jackson inside.

5. DE Clelin Ferrell.

Clearly the second-best defensive end on the roster after Nick Bosa. Which is not a good thing. Because Ferrell isn't as good as Samson Ebukam, last year's starter, or Charles Omenihu, last year's backup.

6. CB D'Shawn Jamison.

Broke up a deep pass from Sam Darnold that was intended for Deebo Samuel. Jamison probably is the 49ers' best backup cornerback. He should make the team even though he's an undrafted rookie free agent.

7. CB Tre Swilling.

Intercepted a long pass from Darnold that was intended for Ronnie Bell near the left sideline. Bell ran a comeback route, Swilling jumped it and made a diving interception.

8. TE Cameron Latu.

Actually caught a pass for a change, which is impressive for him. But then he dropped a pass a few minutes later. Baby steps.

9. RT Leroy Watson.

Got punched in the facemask by La'Danian Hamilton, and didn't punch him back. Simply laughed at him. And the laugh was maniacal -- he sounded like a villain in a superhero movie. Coolest response to getting punched I've ever seen. Hamilton must feel so impotent.

THE NOT SO GOOD

1. HC Kyle Shanahan

Before practice, he said Sam Darnold and Trey Lance would take turns being the No. 2 quarterback this season, which means Shanahan doesn't want to make a decision. Then during practice, two fights broke out -- one between Jordan Mason and Deommodore Lenoir, and one between Leroy Watson and La'Darius Hamilton -- and Shanahan just stood and watched. Kicked no one out of practice. Didn't even raise his voice. When it comes to anything other than calling plays, Shanahan simply isn't interested.

2. LT Jaylon Moore.

The 49ers backup offensive tackle couldn't block Clelin Ferrell during 1-on-1 pass rush drills. Moore is a guard, but on the 49ers he plays tackle out of necessity.

3. G/C Jon Feliciano.

Got beaten during 1 on 1s by La'Danian Hamilton, who probably won't make the team. Which means Feliciano shouldn't make the team either, but he will because he's their best backup interior offensive linemen. If he ever has to play, the 49ers are in trouble.

4. LG Aaron Banks.

Limped off the field and left practice early -- it's unclear why. But he did miss a week of camp with a concussion. And if he has to miss any time, the next man up will be Feliciano. Not good.

5. RB Ty Davis-Price.

Dropped a screen pass that hit him in both hands, which means he can't catch or block. And he's averaging only 3.9 yards per carry in the preseason, so it's unclear what exactly he does well.

6. DE Nick Bosa.

It's August 22, 2023, and Bosa STILL hasn't signed his extension.