49ers Training Camp: Full 2016 Preview for San Francisco

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Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) throws the ball with quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Position Battles

Quite obviously the biggest position battle in this training camp is highlighted in the picture above.

With Colin Kaepernick now fully cleared to practice in camp, how he performs is a very interesting question. He will know the playbook well enough, but can he produce it on the field? Blaine Gabbert got all of the previous offseason reps in the OTAs and minicamp. Kaepernick was reduced to a spectator and could only “mirror” the movements he watched in front of him.

With the previous on-field work he got, Gabbert has the clear edge for the starting QB role at this point. However, Kaepernick has the opportunity to win the job. If he shows the ability to run the offense, make the necessary quick reads and can make all the throws, if his level is superior to Gabbert then he may well win the job.

What needs to happen is for one of these guys to win camp clearly and be the “man” for the season. It would eliminate all the controversy a non-clear No. 1 QB winner would bring.

Additionally, there are battles at wide receiver, cornerback and the pass-rush role. Torrey Smith is the No. 1 receiver for 2016, but who is the No. 2? Can either veterans in Bruce Ellington and Quinton Patton win the job? Or will it be former Canadian Football League player Eric Rogers or 2015 draft pick DeAndre Smelter, who missed all of last season?

Or will someone surprise us, like DeAndrew White, Dres Anderson, Jerome Simpson or Aaron Burbridge?

This will be a competition well worth watching.

Jimmie Ward has been practicing at the right cornerback position in the OTAs. He received praise from defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil about being one of the “best 11 players on the field.” Can he maintain this performance in camp to win the position outright?

With Redmond not expected to practice (still rehabbing his knee injury), the other rookies in Rashard Robinson and Prince Charles Iworah will be battling the established players in Kenneth Acker, Keith Reaser, Dontae Johnson, Chris Davis and Marcus Cromartie for playing time.

The nickel corner position is also up for grabs. Who will win this battle?

With the four-game suspension to outside linebacker Aaron Lynch, who will step up and fill this void? Tank Carradine has lost some 20 pounds and has moved to the same position, with the expectation he can play a similar role. Eli Harold has bulked up and is expected to be able to rush the passer more effectively. Can Ahmad Brooks play a consistent season and not disappear during games?

The 49ers have to find someone (or two) who can create pressure on the opposing QB to begin the 2016 season. The last thing the 49ers want to do is to start the season 0-4, but when facing QBs of the caliber of Cam Newton, Russell Wilson and Tony Romo, without getting any pressure in their face will result in some ugly results.

To have any chance of success in 2016, the 49ers pass rush must post 40-plus sacks in 2016, and be in the top-10 in the league. This will go a long way in helping out the young 49ers secondary in pass coverage.

Next: Roster Bubbles