(Over)Reacting to the first four days of training camp

Photo courtesy of 49ers.com 

By Scooter_McG

The first four days of training camp are in the books, and we have been getting some exciting and interesting news coming out of those practices. As expected, Jimmy G and Trey Lance have headlined the stories of camp so far, though there have been some other notable developments. 

Here is what has stood out to me from the reports on training camp over the past four days.

1. Trey Lance is looking good. Yes, there have been some rookie mistakes and some rookie moments, but so far everything sounds like it is very much trending the right direction for Lance and the 49ers. He's completed a number of downfield passes over the first four days of camp and seems far more willing to sling it to the intermedaite and deep areas than Jimmy G. From what I have read and heard it sounds like he has been showing everything you want to see from your future franchise QB through his first four days of NFL training camp - poise, good arm strength and accuracy, decision-making, pocket awareness, willingness to play within the structure of the offense, and willingness and ability to take chances downfield when the defense gives them the chance. On day 4, he also demonstrated his ability to extend plays by avoiding pressure and pick up yards with his legs. After practice on day 4, DeMeco Ryans acknowledged Lance's ability to move and run, combined with his play from the pocket, puts extra stress on the defence, which is exactly why Shanahan loved his skillset. 

2. Jimmy G has looked like Jimmy G. After a strong opening day, Jimmy G has reportedly seemed tentative and unwilling to take chances. Reports on days 2 and 3 were that Jimmy G barely threw the ball 5 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. On day 4 it sounds like he tried to be a bit more aggressive, but it resulted in indecision, some off target throws and turnovers. This is nothing new for Jimmy G - when he's confident he can look great, like he did Day 1. Other times he can struggle to operate an offense that asks him to push the ball further than 5 yards downfield. We know the 49ers can win games with Jimmy G at QB... but why settle for the inconsistency when you don't have to? The competition for the starting QB spot could heat up sooner than many had thought.

3. The defensive line is really deep, especially the interior of the DL. Pretty much all of the notable defensive tackles on the roster have looked good so far. The only exceptions have been those not practicing due to injury (Kinlaw and Hurst). And surprisingly the defensive ends have looked pretty good too, with both Ebukam and Key making plays, especially on days 3 and 4. With a healthy Bosa and Kinlaw, this unit could be very good. Even without them they may be surprisingly decent. But... practices so far have been without pads, which tends to favour the defensive line. We will know more once the pads go on. 

4. Mike McGlinchey looks back to his best. Slim Mike is now Big Mac once again, after adding 25 lbs this offseason, and through four days of camp the extra weight seems to really be helping. But as noted with the defensive line, we will know more once the pads go on.

5. Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel look really good. Both players have been the clear standouts among the receivers and favoured targets of the QBs. Even over George Kittle. Somewhat surprisingly, Deebo has been showing off a more rounded skillset, making plays at all three levels. 

6. The third WR spot may already have a favourite. The competition for the third WR spot was expected to be a hotly contested one, but it sounds like there may already be a leader in the clubhouse. Mo Sanu has received plenty of praise from both players and coaches, and could be in the box seat to grab that spot. The other player that seemed might be the main challenger after days 1 and 2 was Jalen Hurd, who based on reports sounded like he was moving very well coming back from his injuries, but he is now once again a big question mark after missing days 3 and 4. Hopefully it is only a minor setback for Hurd.

7. Marcell Harris is no longer a safety. The safety position looked like it may have a bit of a logjam, but turns out the 49ers have moved long time backup SS Harris to LB this offseason. And from all reports it sounds like he has looked pretty good. 

8. Talanoa Hufanga won't be outworked. Hufanga apparently has also seen some time at LB, though there hasn't been much else reported about his play on the field. However, one thing that has been noted is that Hufanga is routinely one of the first out to the practice field and one of the last to leave. That kind of work ethic is what gets late round picks onto a roster and onto the field early in their careers, and keeps them in the NFL. 

9. The running game has struggled. Again, worth pointing out that without pads the offensive line is at a disadvantage, but so far it sounds like bar a handful of explosive runs, the 49ers running game has struggled by and large, with many running plays being completely blown up by penetration. However, one guy that has had some positive reps is Elijah Mitchell, who reportedly has been more willing to test the middle of the defense. 

10. Verrett isn't resting on last year's success. Jason Verrett has had a couple of strong practices as he looks to build on his bounce back 2020 season. This has included an INT as well as multiple pass breakups. When healthy Verrett is clearly the team's best CB. 

11. CB depth is a concern. With Moseley on the COVID-19 reserve list, Tim Harris has been getting starting reps opposite Verrett. This has prompted the 49ers to look at some outside help with Dre Kirkpatrick brought in for a visit. I expect a veteran CB to be added sooner rather than later.