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49ers vs. Chiefs: Top 5 things to watch for in preseason, Week 1

By Peter Panacy

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 16: Wide receiver Dexter McCluster #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs picks up a first down between defenders Craig Dahl #43 and Perrish Cox #20 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half on August 16, 2013 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 16: Wide receiver Dexter McCluster #22 of the Kansas City Chiefs picks up a first down between defenders Craig Dahl #43 and Perrish Cox #20 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first half on August 16, 2013 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 7: Linebacker Reuben Foster #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks to members of the media during the College Football Playoff National Championship Media Day on January 7, 2017 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 7: Linebacker Reuben Foster #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide speaks to members of the media during the College Football Playoff National Championship Media Day on January 7, 2017 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

No. 1: The 49ers Rookies — DE Solomon Thomas and LB Reuben Foster

Preseason games are great, because we finally get a full window to see high-profile rookies compete in serious action against a real opponent.

And there’s no shortage of buzz surrounding San Francisco’s first-round picks from the 2017 NFL Draft, Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster.

Thomas may wind up working with the second-team unit in Kansas City, as the Niners have an experienced crop of veterans ahead of him. This includes defensive tackle Tank Carradine, who was listed ahead of Thomas on the team’s first unofficial depth chart.

One shouldn’t get married to this placement, though, and the preseason could go a long way in forcing a swap here.

Regardless, it will be exciting to actually see Thomas make an impact.

The same goes for Foster, who likely assumes a much larger role with veteran linebacker Malcolm Smith (pectoral) sidelined for the rest of the season.

Foster will probably end up rotating with fellow veteran, Ray-Ray Armstrong, at the weak-side (WILL) linebacker spot. Meanwhile, the rookie has had little trouble working with the first-team unit and generating turnovers during the process:

Perhaps no other 49ers rookie has generated more excitement than Foster.

And he’s a major reason why fans are going to be paying close attention to the Niners’ exhibition opener this Friday.

Next: A second look at 49ers trade candidates in 2017

Stay tuned to Niner Noise as we continue to provide you with training camp and preseason coverage!