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San Francisco 49ers: Full 2017 training camp primer and preview

By Peter Panacy

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JULY 30: Mike Person #78 and Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers participate in drills during practice at the San Francisco 49ers training facility on July 30, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JULY 30: Mike Person #78 and Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers participate in drills during practice at the San Francisco 49ers training facility on July 30, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Biggest 49ers Position Battles to Watch

Training camp is all about competition, and the 49ers are fortunate enough to have a lot more competitiveness heading into this camp than previous years.

Whether it be in the secondary, along the defensive line or at running back, Niners fans should have no trouble honing in on position battles in 2017.

Related Story: Top 5 49ers position battles to watch in training camp

Cornerback Depth

Rashard Robinson is likely the No. 1 cornerback heading into the regular season. That’s fine, but who winds up being No. 2.

Favorites include corners Keith Reaser and Dontae Johnson.

Johnson has fallen out of favor a bit in recent years, but that could change with the new coaching regime.

In addition, the slot corner position will be worthy of note. San Francisco signed free-agent corner K’Waun Williams earlier this offseason, who figures to battle it out with second-year pro Will Redmond.

DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 17: Elvis Dumervil #92 of the Denver Broncos warms up prior to facing the New York Jets at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 17, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 17: Elvis Dumervil #92 of the Denver Broncos warms up prior to facing the New York Jets at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 17, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

Edge Rusher

Despite a deep draft class, the 49ers didn’t land a pure pass-rusher until former Utah EDGE Pita Taumoepenu in Round 6.

Taumoepenu will take time to develop, meaning the Niners will rely on edge rushers like Aaron Lynch, Arik Armstead and the newly acquired Elvis Dumervil to supply pass-rush pressure.

Dumervil, 33 years old, is sitting on 99 career sacks and is an early favorite to be the premier piece here. Meanwhile, Lynch is dealing with weight concerns and Armstead is learning a new position.

Offensive Line

Left tackle Joe Staley appears to be the only shoo-in starter for San Francisco this year. Every other position is, essentially, wide open.

At center, the Niners have a choice between the incumbent, Daniel Kilgore, a trade acquisition in Jeremy Zuttah or the free-agent pickup, Tim Barnes. Kilgore and Zuttah have experience at guard, creating more competition for returning 49ers Zane Beadles and Joshua Garnett, as well as free-agent addition, Brandon Fusco.

Trent Brown appears to be the favorite to start at right tackle, although he’ll have to win out over his primary competition, Garry Gilliam.

Running Back

We mentioned how rookie tailbacks Joe Williams and Matt Breida may wind up pressuring perceived No. 1 runner, Carlos Hyde, early this season.

But these two upstarts aren’t the only two players Hyde has to battle with. The Niners added both Tim Hightower and Kapri Bibbs earlier this offseason.

These five players are likely competing for three, perhaps four, spots on San Francisco’s 53-man roster.