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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Areas of Concern Entering Training Camp

By Chandler Wright

Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2, Depth on the Roster

Safety, defensive line, tight end and running back. Those are about the only positions on the 49ers roster with true depth.

At safety, the Niners have former All-Pro Antoine Bethea coming off a season ending injury in 2015. They also have former Pro Bowl alternate Eric Reid and second year stud Jaquiski Tartt, who played well filling in for Bethea’s absence last year. With cornerback Jimmie Ward’s ability to play either safety spot in a pinch, the 49ers don’t have much to worry about here.

In the running back room, Carlos Hyde may be imperative, but time and time again I hear and read how Shaun Draughn kept things from falling apart after Hyde’s foot injury. The 49ers also have highly regarded back Mike Davis and former Packer standout from 2012, DuJuan Harris. It’s too bad Jarryd Hayne can’t be apart of the festivities, but the Niners will be fine here, much like the safety position.

Then, you have a defensive line group that’s just as deep as the Niners’ safeties. Former Oregon defensive end/tackles DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead bring talent to the interior, along with superstar nose tackle Ian Williams. Hopefully behind Armstead and Buckner, will be versatile players Quinton Dial and Glenn Dorsey, who can play either the nose or the end in defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil’s 3-4 defense.

Going on with the tight ends, we get a sense of what depth and competition really looks like when it comes to an NFL team. Former second round pick Vance McDonald will be competing with better options, Garrett Celek, Blake Bell and minicamp standout Bruce Miller, who says things are different, according to Joe Fann of 49ers.com.

“I’m getting out into different route combinations more,” Miller said of the adjustment to his new role. “Blocking at the line of scrimmage has also been different.”

Differences aside, Miller will thrill fans. He’s shown ability to be a great pass-catcher in the past.

But let’s move on to the areas with no depth, which are everywhere.

Take for example Inside Linebacker and Left Tackle. Can the 49ers afford to lose Staley or Bowman to injury? The answer is no, and they can’t afford to lose starting outside/nickle corner Ward either. Especially with no one playing well at nickel, per recent reports. Lastly, outside edge rusher Aaron Lynch becomes more important, as Ahmad Brooks ages and Tank Carradine learns his new position. Eli Harold may help some, but he’s coming off a goose-egg sack campaign his rookie year.

So, how do we finally answer the 49ers depth issue?

We don’t, but players taking care of themselves, the training staff and coach Kelly’s conditioning will hopefully help. The draft is over and free agents have been snatched up, so don’t expect the roster to change much. Besides, general manager Baalke is happy with the team he’s assembled and doesn’t normally build from the outside anyway.

Next: No. 1, the 49ers Youth Movement