The Good and Not So Good from Day 6 of 49ers Training Camp 2023

SANTA CLARA -- Here's who stood out Day 6 of 49ers training camp 2023.

THE GOOD

1. WR Jauan Jennings.

Ran the most devastating route of training camp so far -- an out-and-up in the red zone from the five-yard line. He was facing Isaiah Oliver, who fell for the quick cut to the outside. When Jennings caught the ball in the back of the end zone, he was all alone. The 49ers use him like a skinny tight end, particularly in the red zone, and he's a better route runner than George Kittle.

2. DT Javon Kinlaw.

He's playing zero-technique nose tackle during 1 on 1 drills and having success, because he's facing centers one on one and dominating them with sheer size and power. He hasn't beaten starting center Jake Brendel yet, but today Kinlaw beat backup center Keith Ismael with an impressive swim move.

3. DT T.Y. McGill.

Playing three-technique defensive tackle during 1 on 1 drills and beating everyone he faces. Today, he beat Jason Poe and Joey Fisher. McGill might be the best backup defensive tackle on the roster.

3. LG Joey Fisher.

Didn't beat McGill during 1 on 1s, but stonewalled undrafted rookie free agent defensive tackle Spencer Waege twice.

4. DE Taco Charlton.

Signed with the 49ers this morning, beat Jaylon Moore with a spin move during 1 on 1 drills and recorded a sack during 11 on 11s. If Charlton stays healthy, he could make the final roster, because he's clearly a much better pass rusher than Clelin Ferrell.

5. LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball.

Becoming the favorite to start at Sam linebacker. Broke up two of Brock Purdy's passes today. First, McCrary-Ball nearly intercepted a pass over the middle that was intended for Christian McCaffrey. Then near the end of practice, McCrary-Ball saved a touchdown by breaking up a pass at the goal line that was intended for Ty Davis-Price.

6. RB Christian McCaffrey.

Collided with Dre Greenlaw and fell hard to the ground. But instead of punching Greenlaw or starting a fight, McCaffrey calmly stood up and said something to him. Greenlaw immediately hugged McCaffrey and gently patted his helmet. I like to imagine that McCaffrey politely told Greenlaw to never ever ever knock him over during practice again, and Greenlaw pinky promised that he wouldn't.

7. DE Nick Bosa.

Still hasn't bothered to show up for training camp. He's in Florida working out at his home gym. Which normally would be bad, but Bosa has proven he trains better at home than he does with the 49ers. Perhaps missing training camp will benefit Bosa by allowing him to conserve some energy for the end of the season. Remember, last season he ran out of gas before the playoffs began.

THE NOT SO GOOD

1. WR Deebo Samuel.

Fumbled. Isaiah Oliver punched the ball out of his hands. For someone who has the ability to be the best player on the field every day, Samuel rarely asserts himself in camp.

2. DE Drake Jackson.

Faced Trent Williams and Colton McKivit during 1 on 1s and lost to both of them. Jackson doesn't have pass-rush moves that he can string together. He mostly tries to win around the edge. When he tried that against Williams, Jackson fell down.

3. RT Colton McKivitz.

Got beat during 1 on 1s by Clelin Freaking Ferrell. Not a good sign.

4. LT Jaylon Moore.

Left practice early with an injury. Stayed on the ground for a minute but walked off by himself, which is a good sign.

5. CB Ambry Thomas.

Got most of the first-string reps at left cornerback because Charvarius Ward essentially didn't practice, and gave up three catches. Thomas almost never breaks up a pass anymore. He's an observer, and he has the best vantage point on the field. I envy him.