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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Second-Year Players to Watch in Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 23, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arik Armstead (69) rushes Dallas Cowboys tackle John Wetzel (61) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 11, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (15) runs with the ball against the Duke Blue Devils in the third quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Duke won 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (15) runs with the ball against the Duke Blue Devils in the third quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Duke won 31-25. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Second-Year Pros Worthy of Notice

With such a young roster, it’s safe to assume nearly every second-year pro should be on the 49ers watch list. But that doesn’t mean we should pay quite as much attention to them during camp.

Here are a few guys worthy of consideration, but who barely miss the cut.

Wide Receiver DeAndre Smelter

Wide receiver DeAndre Smelter spent his rookie season redshirted while recovering from a collegiate ACL injury. The 6’2″, 226-pound Georgia Tech product could be competing for a No. 2 starting job alongside likely No. 1 wideout Torrey Smith this offseason.

And we all know how head coach Chip Kelly likes his big-bodied receivers.

Since Smelter didn’t suit up for the 49ers in 2015, he doesn’t make this list. But he’s a player to watch this offseason.

Tight End Busta Anderson

With veteran tight end Vernon Davis no longer in the 49ers’ picture, this position has more than a handful of question marks when determining how the roster will shake up.

Like Smelter, tight end Busta Anderson didn’t see the field in 2015 and isn’t qualified for this list. But the 6’5″, 244-pound product has enough physical makeup to establish himself as a likable receiving option and red-zone threat.

His efforts in camp will go a long way in determining his role and status this season.

Running Back Mike Davis

Behind No. 1 tailback Carlos Hyde, the 49ers don’t exactly have a set depth chart to ensure Hyde receives the breaks and support he’ll need over a full 16-game season.

The addition of rookie running back Kelvin Taylor, along with re-signed veterans DuJuan Harris and Shaun Draughn, crowd this position to a considerable degree. Throw in versatile, yet inexperienced running back Jarryd Hayne, and former South Carolina standout Mike Davis will have some stiff competition to ensure himself a roster spot.

Davis did end up playing six games last season, so he does qualify on this list. Yet his impact may not be nearly as felt in comparison to the other guys on here.

Next: RB Jarryd Hayne