The Good and Not So Good from Day 15 of 49ers Training Camp 2023

SANTA CLARA -- Here's who stood out on Day 15 of 49ers training camp 2023.

THE GOOD

1. LB Curtis Robinson.

Intercepted Brock Purdy once and nearly intercepted him a second time but dropped the ball. Robinson was a special teams player last year, but he'll start at Sam linebacker if he keeps making big plays in coverage.

2. FS Tashaun Gipson.

Recorded his fourth interception of camp. This time, he picked off a tipped pass in the end zone. Gipson arguably has been the 49ers' most consistent defensive player this offseason. He looks like he could play at a high level for another year or two.

3. CB Deommodore Lenoir.

Played nickelback today and looked like a natural. Lined up across from Brandon Aiyuk in the slot and broke up a pass intended for him in the end zone that got tipped to Gipson for the interception. Lenoir is one of the most improved players on the team, and nickelback seems to be his best position.

4. NCB Qwuantrezz Knight.

Played nickelback with the second-team defense and laid a big hit on running back Ty Davis-Price to stop him for a two-yard loss right in front of the offense's sideline. Christian McCaffrey yelled something at Knight after the play.

5. DT Javon Hargrave.

Recorded his daily sack. Today, he beat Aaron Banks to sack Brock Purdy on 3rd and 10. Hargrave has been the 49ers' best pass rusher by far in camp. They need him to play a full season.

6. FB Kyle Juszczyk.

Stripped the ball away from Curtis Robinson after he intercepted a pass, then Purdy recovered it. Heads up play.

7. TE Brayden Willis.

Caught a touchdown pass in the red zone after running a slant route and splitting two defenders -- Dee Winters and Myles Hartfield -- both of whom seemed to think it was the other person's job to cover Willis.

THE NOT SO GOOD

1. RT Colton McKivitz.

He seems to wind up on this list every day. Today, he got beaten easily during 1 on 1s by Austin Bryant and Clelin Ferrell. First, Bryant beat him with a quick move to the inside, and then Ferrell ran right around his outside shoulder. McKivitz is a liability who could get someone injured. Unfortunately for the 49ers, he is by far their best option at right tackle.

2. CB Charvarius Ward.

Gave up a touchdown catch to Deebo Samuel in the red zone. Ward is a shutdown corner when he wants to be one, which isn't often during camp.

2. CB Ambry Thomas.

Started at outside cornerback opposite Charvarius Ward for the first time this offseason, which is good -- the coaches clearly want to reward Thomas for his good performance against the Raiders in the preseason. But today, Thomas gave up a touchdown catch to Brandon Aiyuk in the red zone. Lenoir is a better outside cornerback than Thomas. Perhaps Lenoir could start outside, then move to the inside in the nickel defense the way Carlos Rogers used to.