SANTA CLARA — As soon as Bryce Huff was free of an ill-fitting match with the Philadelphia Eagles, he wasted no time in doing what he’s anticipated to do for the 49ers.
Be on the assault. Full pace forward.
“I went back to Philly to pack up my stuff and was here the whole offseason,” Huff mentioned Tuesday after their sixth observe of coaching camp and second in pads. “I was locked in with (strength coach Mike) Nicolini to make sure my body was on point for camp. It’s translated well. I’ve been in good shape. I feel strong, explosive.”
That’s the mandate from defensive position coach Kris Kocurek and defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, one which the 49ers hope will start a profession rebirth after being miscast as a standup exterior linebacker. He’ll put his hand on the bottom and get after the passer, reasonably than tackle the duties of an out of doors linebacker.
“Rushing with my hand down is definitely what I’m supposed to be doing,” Huff mentioned. “It’s a lot more physical style of ball. They want me to go be an athlete and make plays.”
Huff, at 6-foot-3, 255 kilos, has all the time been a tweener. Not precisely an out of doors linebacker, however not an every-down edge-setter on the defensive position both.
The 49ers’ hope is they will use Huff situationally as a cross rusher reverse Nick Bosa, one thing they’ve been searching for since Dee Ford got here aboard in 2019. They’ve cycled by the likes of Arden Key, Charles Omenihu and Samson Ebukam however have but to discover a pure edge rusher within the bunch.
Huff possible gained’t begin and be saved for cross rush conditions, presumably with rookie first-round choose Mykel Williams transferring inside to create a bookend with Bosa. However after being acquired for a conditional fifth-round draft choose and with the Eagles taking up $9.05 million wage after a free agent deal signed earlier than the 2024 season, Huff shall be given each likelihood to get within the face of Kurt Warner, Kyler Murray, Sam Darnold within the NFC West and each different quarterback on the schedule.
Huff sees the advantages of working towards future Corridor of Fame sort out Trent Williams in observe.
“It’s very cool to get that experience considering he’s one of the best in the league, to rush with him and pick his brain on certain things,” Huff mentioned.
Has Huff exploded off the web page throughout the first week? Not precisely, nevertheless it’s too early to attract conclusions. A have a look at another 49ers veterans who arrived from different groups and are searching for roles in changing gamers who departed in free company or have been launched:
Large receiver Demarcus Robinson (5) has made an excellent impression on the 49ers in his first week of coaching camp at a place of want. Nhat V. Meyer/Mercury Information
WR Demarcus Robinson: With Brandon Aiyuk rehabbing a knee damage, Jauan Jennings at present injured and Ricky Pearsall being on a cautious schedule, Robinson, day-in and day-out, has been the 49ers’ finest receiver by the primary week. Nook Deommodore Lenoir calls him “crafty.”
He’s anticipated to overlook time on suspension after pleading no contest to a DUI cost on July 10. The 49ers knew about it after they signed him. They’ll wait. Whether or not it’s three video games or extra. It’s an uphill battle for Isaiah Hodgins, Equanamious St. Brown and Malik Knowles.
TE Luke Farrell: Farrell would be the undisputed backup tight finish to George Kittle and play a lot in two-tight-end units. He’s considered a punishing blocker with receiving expertise nonetheless to be exploited.
S Jason Pinnock: Pinnock has been a constant first-teamer together with Ji’Ayir Brown and, if wholesome, a probable Week 1 starter. Issues will get attention-grabbing when Malik Mustapha is totally rehabbed from a torn ACL.
QB Mac Jones: Jones has seemed strong to this point in assimilating to Kyle Shanahan’s system. One minor shock — he’s not as nifty as Brock Purdy by way of scrambling, however he can take off and run for features if the state of affairs presents itself.
“Mac’s really impressive picking up the offense, and I think he’s executing really well,” offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak mentioned. “He needs to keep stacking days and getting better.”
PK Greg Joseph: The preseason video games can have lots to do with seeing if he can unseat Jake Moody. It’s been an in depth competitors to this point. If it’s shut, count on Moody to prevail.
P Thomas Morstead, LS Jon Weeks: Roster locks imported by particular groups Brant Boyer to switch Mitch Wishnowsky and Taybor Pepper.
CB Tre Brown: 4-year vet performed 39 video games in Seattle with 13 begins and might be in line to start out relying on the assistance of Renardo Inexperienced, presently out with a hamstring damage. Has been strong within the early going.
LB Chaz Suratt: Spent the final two years as a core particular groups participant with the Jets beneath Boyer.
S Richie Grant: Was a mainstay at security in 2022-23 for Atlanta however did most of his work on particular groups in 2024. Has gotten time with first-team protection early on.
CB Siran Neal: Has performed 2,086 snaps on particular groups and 625 snaps on protection in 114 video games with Buffalo and Miami, which supplies an thought of why he’s on the roster.
CB Eli Apple: Simply joined the 49ers after a hamstring pressure to projected starter Renardo Inexperienced. Former first-round choose has performed for the Giants, Saints, Panthers, Bengals, Dolphins and Chargers beforehand.
DE Jaylon Allen: Excelled within the UFL and had a formidable first observe Tuesday, at one level blowing up a operating play by shedding an edge blocking try. School teammate of Bryce Huff.
T Andre Dillard: Free agent has performed with 69 video games with 19 begins for Philadelphia, Tennessee and Inexperienced Bay and has handled damage points. Is at present on the energetic/bodily unable to carry out listing and the 49ers haven’t given a timetable on his return.
