49ers Rookies to Watch in Training Camp
A number of first-year 49ers players should catch your attention during training camp.
Remember, the Niners landed two first-round picks in this year’s NFL Draft — defensive end Solomon Thomas and linebacker Reuben Foster.
In addition, San Francisco brought in a number of undrafted free agents which, per NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, ranked second among all NFL UDFA classes.
Not bad.
But here are some rookies you should pay extra-close attention to during camp.
San Francisco 49ers
Solomon Thomas
Thomas’ commitments at Stanford kept him out of OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The No. 3 overall pick from the draft could easily be a plug-and-play starter along the Niners defensive line this season.
Reuben Foster
Foster’s surgically repaired shoulder limited him during OTAs and minicamp. The 49ers are expecting Foster to be “more than ready” for the start of training camp.
While Foster fell in the draft, more than a handful of draft experts considered him a top-10 talent to have. And San Francisco has him.
Ahkello Witherspoon
The Niners picked up former Colorado cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon in Round 3 of the NFL Draft. He still has a ways to go to earn a starting job this season. But with depth a major question at the position, San Francisco is hoping the fluid and agile defensive back can adjust to live within the pro ranks quickly.
Joe Williams
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner hand picked running back Joe Williams, who might be in a position to unseat possible No. 1 tailback, Carlos Hyde, as early as Week 1.
Camp will reveal if Williams is anything close to ready.
Matt Breida
Fellow RB Matt Breida also is a player to watch during camp. The UDFA has already turned heads during various camps leading up to these final sessions, and he could wind up being an upstart on San Francisco’s roster right away.
Lorenzo Jerome
Defensive back Lorenzo Jerome was actually ESPN analyst Todd McShay’s top-ranked UDFA after the draft this year.
With Jimmie Ward and Eric Reid poised to start at free and strong safety, respectively, Jerome could easily be in line to provide immediate backup with a strong camp.