The Good and Not So Good from Day 9 of 49ers Training Camp 2023

SANTA CLARA -- Here's who stood out Day 9 of 49ers training camp 2023.

THE GOOD

1. WR Willie Snead.

He made not only the two best catches of today's practice, but also the two best catches of training camp so far. First, he caught a deep pass up the left sideline between two diving defenders, kept running and scored a touchdown. Next, he outdid himself by making a falling one-handed touchdown catch with a cornerback all over him. Snead might not make the final roster, but he's a veteran the 49ers can count on if they need him.

2. WR Danny Gray.

Made three excellent plays. First, he blew past D'Shawn Jamison on a post route, but Brandon Allen underthrew the deep pass which negated what probably should have been a touchdown. Instead, it fell incomplete. Next, Gray beat Jamison with a curl route for a 15-yard catch on 3rd and 12. Finally, Gray ran a reverse and exploded around the edge for 20 yards. Gray seems to be the most improved second-year player on the team. Unlike last year, he has an NFL body, he runs crisp routes and he trusts his hands. The 49ers will have to find ways to use him, even if their starting quarterback has a noodle for an arm.

3. TE Cam Latu.

No targets or catches during 11-on-11 team drills, as usual, but he played well during 1 on 1s. First, he beat veteran safety George Odum with an out route for a 15-yard catch. And then during 1-on-1 pass-blocking drills, Latu stonewalled Odum easily. Don't write off Latu just yet. He has skills.

4. SS Ji'Ayir Brown.

Broke up a pass during 1 on 1s that was intended for Brayden Willis, who was running a corner route. Brown was the only safety who broke up a pass during this drill.

5. FS Tayler Hawkins.

Broke up a long pass intended for Jauan Jennings and made a tackle for a three-yard loss on a run play. Hawkins makes at least one big play every practice. Today, he made two. He should make the final roster.

6. RB Jordan Mason.

He's a terrific ball carrier -- we know. But he also is a terrific route runner. Today, he beat Oren Burks and Curtis Robinson during 1 on 1s, and each time Mason made the crowd ooh and ahh. He has an uncanny ability to stop his momentum on a dime and switch directions.

7. RB Khalan Laborn.

An explosive scatback who can block too, apparently. Today during 1-on-1 pass blocking drills, Laborn stonewalled rookie linebacker Dee Winters, then pancaked veteran linebacker Curtis Robinson. Laborn lost no reps during this drill.

8. LB Kyahva Tezino.

Broke up two passes during 1 on 1s -- the first was intended for Kyle Juszczyk, then second was intended for Ty Davis-Price. After each play, linebackers coach Johnny Holland gave Tezino a hug and a pat on the helmet.

THE NOT SO GOOD

1. CB Samuel Womack.

Gave up a long touchdown catch to Willie Snead when he was in good coverage, and then committed a pass interference penalty on Ray Ray McCloud on a poorly thrown pass downfield. Womack has sticky coverage, but sometimes it's too sticky, and he almost never turns his head to find the ball. He's a penalty waiting to happen.

2. The energy at practice.

There was none. The players were extremely quiet. You could tell they were gassed following Friday's marathon practice. Maybe Kyle Shanahan should have given his team the day off. Or maybe the players should have worked harder. They need to take these practices seriously if they're going to get the No. 1 seed for a change.