The Good and Not So Good from Day 9 of 49ers Training Camp
Here's who stood out on Day 9 of training camp. Keep in mind, the 49ers practiced in Levi's Stadium in front of more than 20,000 fans.
THE GOOD
1. Head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Managed to make Jimmy Garoppolo look good in front of 20,000 fans. Called lots of short passes, and benched Dee Ford for the first time in a few days. Which means Garoppolo had all day to throw. And when Jason Verrett broke up a few of his passes, Shanahan benched him, too. This is exactly how you artificially boost a quarterback's trade value just before the season starts. Beautiful execution.
2. Cornerback Jason Verrett.
Broke up three of Garoppolo's passes during team drills. Verrett is the best cornerback I have ever covered. He's phenomenal.
3. Free safety Jimmie Ward.
Read Jimmy Garoppolo's eyes and almost intercepted his long throw up the seam to Kittle. Ward hasn't given up any long throws to Garoppolo through nine days of camp. Garoppolo's longest completion has traveled just 20 yards past the line of scrimmage.
4. Running back Raheem Mostert.
Took a toss to the right and exploded around the end for 20 yards before he got touched. Still the best running back on the team.
5. Linebacker Fred Warner.
Stopped rookie running back Trey Sermon for no gain twice.
6. Running back Trey Sermon.
Had a 20-yard gain while playing with the first-string offense. Sermon ran to his right and cut back to his left. He's quick.
7. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk.
Beat Warner for a deep catch during 1 on 1s. Juszczyk is one of the most difficult players on the 49ers to cover. It's criminal how infrequently they throw him the ball.
8. Defensive tackle Kentavius Street.
Returned to practice after getting poked in the eye by Laken Tomlinson. Street crumpled instantly and stayed down for at least three minutes. Good to see he's OK.
9. Wide receiver Kevin White.
Caught a 10-yard pass over the middle from Garoppolo, then caught a 25-yard pass over the middle from Nate Sudfeld. White probably won't make the team, but should.
10. Linebacker Marcell Harris.
Intercepted a pass that tipped off running back Elijah Mitchell's hands. Harris clearly is a better linebacker than a safety.
11. Quarterback Josh Rosen.
Completed all of his pass attempts for the first time in camp. Granted, he threw only four passes. Still, he looked sharp and dialed in for the first time. His best throw was a 10-yard completion to Trent Sherfield running an out route to the right. Be still my heart.
THE NOT SO GOOD
1. Center Alex Mack.
Lost all five of his reps during 1-on-1 pass blocking drills. Darrion Daniels beat him twice and put him on his knee once. Kevin Givens beat Mack with a spin move and a bull rush. And Maurice Hurst beat Mack with a counter to the outside. Mack looks old.
2. Guard Aaron Banks.
Split his reps with Darrion Daniels during 1 on 1s, then gave up two tackles for loss to Hurst during 11 on 11s. Seems nowhere near ready to start.
3. Defensive end Nick Bosa.
Still hasn't participated in 1 on 1s or 11 on 11s, and I doubt he ever will during this camp. I wonder if it's the 49ers who are being extra cautious with Bosa, or if it's Bosa's camp who is being extra cautious. The 49ers haven't been nearly as protective of Dee Ford, who has spine problems. I'm just saying.
4. Defensive end Arik Armstead.
Missed his second consecutive practice with a groin injury. Certainly something to monitor.
5. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.
Missed practice entirely after participating in 11 on 11s just yesterday. Can this guy ever practice two days in a row? He's starting to look like a bust.
6. Defensive end Samson Ebukam.
Missed his third practice with leg soreness. Seems clear he has something more severe that the 49ers haven't told us about. He doesn't even show up to go through drills.
7. Guard Tom Compton.
Gave up multiple sacks. Still the worst player on the team.
