49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 things we learned from Niners’ first preseason game

No. 2: 49ers Rookie Class Could Be Very Good

It’s just the preseason, so all this has to be taken with a grain of salt.

But San Francisco’s rookies certainly made names for themselves over the course of the contest.

Linebacker Reuben Foster nearly had an interception in the end zone off a pass from quarterback Alex Smith. It was a deflected pass, nonetheless, and Foster’s prowess on the field was certainly worth watching.

Equally impressive were the efforts from rookie running backs Joe Williams and Matt Breida, who rushed for 60 and 40 yards, respectively.

Williams’ speed was on full display, as shown below, and it’s not hard to realize he ran an average of 8.6 yards per carry:

Williams and Breida are both competing for depth spots on the 49ers depth chart.

Wide receiver Trent Taylor had some impressive moments in both the receiving game (three receptions for 33 yards) and on special teams. Notably, Taylor returned one of his three punts for 33 yards.

Even quarterback C.J. Beathard had his moments, including two touchdown passes and a 133.0 passer rating.

But the biggest rookie storyline overall, perhaps, was Solomon Thomas.

Thomas played nearly three quarters in an attempt to give him more reps, since he had missed the majority of offseason activities, due to school obligations.

He didn’t disappoint either, earning three quarterback pressures and taking home an 88.2 game grade, per Pro Football Focus:

This is definitely a good start for a team in full rebuild mode.