SANTA CLARA – Alternative.
That’s the buzzword getting into 49ers coaching camp, and this summer season’s auditions needs to be each plentiful and honest for a franchise able to reverting to playoff type.
“I’m just looking forward to guys taking advantage of the opportunities, because we lost some guys,” tight finish George Kittle stated just lately.
Kittle pointed to a “new defense” that can await him and the 49ers’ offense on the apply fields, beginning Wednesday, a day in any case gamers report back to what would be the ninth camp underneath coach Kyle Shanahan.
Listed below are 10 storylines to look at:
1. McCAFFREY’S COMEBACK
Each rep, each apply by Christian McCaffrey shall be charted and weighed into how scaled again he’s being for a comeback season. He seemed wholesome in spring practices, a lot in order that fullback Kyle Juszczyk just lately stated: “He looks incredible, he looks so healthy, he looks so explosive. It changes everything.”
Every week into final yr’s camp, McCaffrey was shut down with what was termed a calf pressure. He tried to get again for the beginning of the season, solely to require additional relaxation and remedy for bilateral Achilles tendinitis.
Since final scoring a landing on a Jauan Jennings move within the Tremendous Bowl, McCaffrey has overcome his Achilles points, plus a knee damage that ended his comeback after 4 video games. He additionally received married final summer season to Olivia Culpo, they usually introduced on July 13 the beginning of their daughter, Colette.
2. A JENNINGS HOLD-IN?
Huge receiver Jauan Jennings needs a contract extension earlier than camp or he’ll request a commerce, a supply confirmed final week. This contract drama gained’t parallel Brandon Aiyuk’s from a yr in the past, however, like Aiyuk, Jennings might present as much as keep away from fines and decide to not apply till a decision is reached on his contract, which expires after this season. Jennings bypassed necessary minicamp in June with what coach Kyle Shanahan termed a minor calf situation. (Aiyuk had “back and neck” points final summer season till a $30-million-per-year deal was brokered in late August.)
3. ROOKIE COLLINS’ STATUS
Defensive deal with Alfred Collins’ preliminary camp is intriguing on two fronts. First, he broke a impasse amongst second-round picks all through the league by reaching a deal Wednesday that features over $9 million assured in his four-year, $10.3 million contract. Past that enterprise, Collins has but to apply with the 49ers due to a calf pressure earlier than the draft.
4. DEFENSIVE CHANGES
Robert Saleh’s return as defensive coordinator ought to spark new power but additionally new appears to be like with a slew of personnel modifications, not simply in comparison with his earlier stint (2017-20) however even the previous few years. “I’m excited to see our new defense,” Kittle stated. “Actually I’m excited to go against Saleh again. That will be really fun.”
5. DEFENSIVE LINE SHUFFLE
Every year, the 49ers introduce new gamers into Nick Bosa’s supporting solid, and this yr’s best additions embody first-round decide Mykel Williams and veteran move rusher Bryce Huff on the other fringe of Bosa. On the inside, Collins and rookie C.J. West ought to push Jordan Elliott and Kevin Givens for beginning spots as all 4 are pegged to rotate. However don’t dismiss incumbents Yetur Gross-Matos, Sam Okuayinonu, Robert Beal Jr., Evan Anderson and Kalia Davis.
6. L.A. LAW
Huge receiver Demarcus Robinson and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir have needed to take care of separate authorized issues in Los Angeles, however that ought to not hold both out of camp. It might influence their availability this season if the NFL doles out self-discipline, nonetheless.
Robinson just lately pled no contest to final yr’s driving-under-the-influence arrest whereas he was on the Rams, and NFL coverage might immediate a three-game suspension sooner or later the following month or so. Lenoir’s arrest final month for obstruction of justice scheduled him for a July 25 court docket date if he’s charged.
7. PEARSALL’S PRESENCE
Ricky Pearsall’s larger presence within the offense needs to be compelling, particularly with Jennings’ unclear participation and Brandon Aiyuk’s side-field rehabilitation. Pearsall completed his rookie season robust, however he missed a piece of his rookie camp due to shoulder points, previous to him surviving a gunshot wound via his chest in a Labor Day Weekend theft try in Union Sq..
8. WARNER’S WINGMAN
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Dre Greenlaw’s departure in free company stung most on this spring’s exodus of expertise. Dee Winters figures to get the primary shot because the weak-side linebacker subsequent to All-Professional Fred Warner. Rookie Nick Martin ought to contend for that function, presuming he’s not hindered by a fractured thumb earlier than June’s necessary minicamp.
9. LATE ADDITIONS
The 49ers have plenty of wage cap room ($48 million) in the event that they need to add a family title through free company or commerce. Which positions may command last-minute buying? Huge receivers and defensive backs are all the time in want, and the 49ers seem skinny at each spots, together with security whereas Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) and Malik Mustapaha (knee).
10. KICKER COMPETITION
Final however not least in followers’ minds shall be whether or not kicker Jake Moody retains his job after a tough second season. This time, Moody should beat out a veteran, Greg Joseph, who had a quick stint final season with the New York Jets, whose particular groups coordinator, Brant Boyer, is now in that function with the 49ers’ refurbished unit.
