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49ers Training Camp: 5 Biggest Storylines to Watch in 2016

By Chandler Wright

Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly speaks to the media 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 speaks to the media during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Dec 14, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

No. 3: Trent Baalke and the Development of His Draft Picks

One of the most important storylines, that isn’t quite going unnoticed, is the possibility of general manager Trent Baalke being on the hot seat. He could well be out in 2017, if the players he’s picked in recent drafts don’t begin to become cornerstones of the 49ers franchise.

We all know that the retirements of former linebacker Chris Borland and offensive lineman Anthony Davis really hurt Baalke’s chances. Borland was a heady player with great instinct and would have been a great replacement for future Hall of Fame linebacker Patrick Willis, while Davis was one of the most talented offensive lineman in the NFL. Davis was a great right tackle too, but Baalke’s excuses end there.

Now, Baalke will rely on — number one, after the breaking news of his suspension last week — linebacker Aaron Lynch to step up and turn things around. But there is more to it than that.

Baalke’s chances look good when one thinks of players such as cornerback Jimmie Ward, offensive lineman Brandon Thomas, running back Carlos Hyde and defensive ends DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead.

If all goes well, 2014, 2015 and 2016’s drafts will all be considered successes. Every player listed above has future Pro Bowl potential. Add to Thomas the potential of “All-ACLers” wide receiver DeAndre Smelter and edge-rusher Tank Carradine, and the 49ers GM could actually look like a genius soon, despite what the media thinks.

Lynch is one player and one suspension, so we should all take that with a grain of salt.

Prediction

Baalke stays as Ward, Hyde, Armstead and Smelter all become cornerstones. And Carradine, Buckner and Thomas become solid backups and contributors. Buckner will be a cornerstone player sooner than later and, along with Carradine, is still learning. Plus, Baalke works well with new head coach Chip Kelly, and the 49ers should look to keep that together for at least three years.

Still not completely sure if Thomas will be more than a backup. Thoughts? Leave them below!

Next: No. 2: The Chip Kelly Effect