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San Francisco 49ers: Thoughts and news on OTAs thus far

By Jeremy Wohlfart

ENGLEWOOD, CO - AUGUST 27: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers works out with teammates Dres Anderson #6, Issac Blakeney #1, and Bruce Miller #49 during a joint training session with the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos at the Denver Broncos Training Facility on August 27, 2015 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
ENGLEWOOD, CO - AUGUST 27: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers works out with teammates Dres Anderson #6, Issac Blakeney #1, and Bruce Miller #49 during a joint training session with the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos at the Denver Broncos Training Facility on August 27, 2015 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /
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49ers Jerick McKinnon
SEATTLE, WA – AUGUST 18: Running back Jerick McKinnon #21 of the Minnesota Vikings rushes for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter of a preseason game at CenturyLink Field on August 18, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Jerick McKinnon, Richard Sherman making positive first impressions

The 49ers were relatively reserved when it came to recruiting players in free agency. They did make a few moves, however, and arguably the two biggest were running back Jerick McKinnon and  cornerback Richard Sherman.

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McKinnon has thrived in OTAs so far, and seems to be developing a good rapport with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, with the two connecting on several passes.

Some 49ers fans were very hesitant to embrace Sherman when he defected to the 49ers, but his leadership is already paying off, with unanimous praise concerning his leadership in OTAs thus far.

Sherman won’t be seen in the defense just yet, but has made his mark just the same, with Niners Nation reporting:

"Sherman has not only been vital at the team facility but he has encouraged the young secondary to bond together with activities off the field including dinners, go-kart racing and bowling. Ahkello Witherspoon reports that the gatherings are not only fun but also very competitive, and Sherman has footed the bill for it all."

He’s also been active at the facility too, coaching up and encouraging the defense. This bodes well for the very young corners in Ahkello Witherspoon, D.J. Reed, Tarvarius Moore and Tarvarus McFadden, whom all stand to learn a lot from the All-Pro.