Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Top 4 position battles to watch in OTAs

By Jeremy Wohlfart

SANTA CLARA, CA - JULY 30: Ronald Johnson #88 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass over Tramaine Brock #26 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: Ronald Johnson #88 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass over Tramaine Brock #26 during practice at the San Francisco 49ers training facility on July 30, 2011 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to evade Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Trent Taylor #81 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to evade Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Kick/Punt returner

The 49ers drafted the best punt returner in NCAA history in Pettis, at least in terms of touchdowns.

Pettis and Reed were also first and second, respectively, for punt return yards in college football last season.

Oh this is going to be good.

Draftee watch

Reed and Pettis, obviously.

There’s no doubt at least one of them could be in a spot to take away the punt role (held by Taylor currently) or kickoff role (held by Robinson) to get some time on the field as rookies.

Reed is of particular interest, as he may find it harder to get some snaps on defense immediately.

As obligated, I will now post a video to all of Pettis’ touchdowns as a punt returner:

Next: Why 49ers’ Fred Warner could be 2018 NFL Draft’s breakout star

Keep an eye on:

Keep an eye on Pettis, as he impressed in punt returns already at the rookie minicamp. Don’t be afraid to see Reed get more opportunities at kickoffs if Pettis holds down the punt return role.