49ers: 5 players to watch during preseason game versus Broncos

Broncos vs. 49ers: 5 players to watch for San Francisco’s preseason matchup

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 20: Linebacker Dekoda Watson #57 of the Denver Broncos sacks quarterback Jeff Driskel #6 of the San Francisco 49ers during a preseason NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 20, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – OCTOBER 15: C.J. Beathard #16 of the Iowa Hawkeyes looks on after rushing for a 15-yard touchdown against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first quarter of the game at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 15, 2016 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

No. 2: Quarterback C.J. Beathard

Believe it or not, rookie C.J. Beathard was the Niners’ best quarterback on the field during their game versus Kansas City.

At least based off the numbers.

Beathard finished the night going 7-of-11 for 101 yards, two touchdowns and a passer rating of 133.0. Granted, these numbers were against backups and fringe players for the Chiefs, so read into that what you wish.

But while Beathard looked like an unpolished rookie, at times, he also demonstrated some decent pocket awareness and playmaking ability.

Like this 46-yard touchdown pass to Kendrick Bourne, where Beathard senses the pass rush and steps up in the pocket to deliver the throw:

Beathard is in a real competition for the No. 2 quarterbacking job this season, along with veteran QB Matt Barkley.

Depending how well Beathard performs over the rest of the preseason, this camp competition should be one to watch as the roster depth shakes out.