Five Players to Watch at 49ers Training Camp

The strength of the San Francisco 49ers is their defensive line play and depth! Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead lead them, but they need another body to produce on the defensive line. The former first-round pick, 14th overall in 2021, has yet to stay healthy for a whole season in his young career. Nevertheless, the six-foot-five, 315 lb, third-year defensive tackle is a player to watch during 49ers training camp this year. The 49ers need Kinlaw to fill the gap in the run game, rush the passer, and be a threat to disrupt offenses from the interior line. If Kinlaw can stay healthy, and on the field, he can be a menace to opposing offenses.

Wide Receiver Brandon Aiyuk 

Entering his third year with the 49ers, the former first-round pick, 25th overall, Aiyuk, is a player that people need to keep an eye on during 49ers training camp. Aiyuk has all the tools that a starting caliber NFL receiver has, excellent footwork, good hands, good speed, and great route running. Aiyuk can be one of the best and most recognizable young stars in the league if he stays consistent with his field production. And it all starts this year at 49ers training camp.

The seven-year veteran cornerback could play a massive role for the 49er defense if he stays healthy. He has the potential to make a good defense elite. Fans who watch 49ers training camp should observe if Verrett can stay healthy and solidify himself at one cornerback position, opposite newly acquired Charvarius Ward. The 49ers will be able to hold elite wide receivers in the division, Kupp, Hopkins, and Metcalf, and make them ordinary while on the field. Verrett is allegedly starting on the PUP list, physically unable to perform. Still, suppose he can get back on the field, stay healthy, and achieve high. In that case, the 49er’s secondary can elevate the 49er’s defense from good to extraordinary.

Wideback Deebo Samuel

Samuel is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL. Samuel informed the 49ers that he does indeed want to be traded to a different team and is looking to get a new contract soon. What fans should note is how Shanahan uses him within the offense. Samuel has stated in the off-season that he doesn’t want to get paid like a running back but a wide receiver. Samuel is frustrated with his usage on offense, but no doubt the 49ers are a better team when Samuel is in the backfield with the football in his hands making plays. It will be interesting to see how the 49ers will use Samuel this year.

The young quarterback Trey Lance is the top player to watch during the 49ers training camp in Santa Clara. The 49ers say it’s Lance’s time to take over as the starting QB and replace Jimmy Garappolo for this upcoming season after getting to the NFC Championship game last season. It will be interesting to see how a young quarterback, who has only started two games in the NFL, will be able to lead the 49ers back to and win the Super Bowl. Lance has an excellent opportunity to succeed in Shanahan’s system. The question is can he produce under pressure and with gigantic expectations on and off the field.

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