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San Francisco 49ers: 5 positions up for grabs in 2018 training camp

By Akshaj Dwivedula

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 7: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers stretches during a San Francisco 49ers practice session at Levi's Stadium on August 7, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne formerly played professional rugby league in Australia for the Parramatta Eels. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 7: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers stretches during a San Francisco 49ers practice session at Levi's Stadium on August 7, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne formerly played professional rugby league in Australia for the Parramatta Eels. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers follows his blocker Laken Tomlinson #75 of the San Francisco 49ers as he rushes for a gain against Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 31: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers follows his blocker Laken Tomlinson #75 of the San Francisco 49ers as he rushes for a gain against Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 31, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

Right Offensive Guard

This is probably the most open position in the entire team right now. That’s not really a good thing in this scenario, given how neither Jonathan Cooper nor Joshua Garnett have done much to differentiate themselves.

The 49ers offensive line actually has a chance to be really good this year. Joe Staley and Weston Richburg can both be top 10 options at their respective positions, while Laken Tomlinson and Mike McGlinchey have tremendous upside. The only hole in the line is the right guard position.

Let’s first look at the homegrown talent in Garnett. Garnett has been lackluster to say the least. He got injured and missed all of last year, but his rookie year was nothing to write about either. PFF gave him a 45.7 grade in 2016, ranking him second last in pass proficiency for guards. There’s not much else to say about Garnett. He doesn’t really fit the zone-blocking scheme Shanahan implements. Even though he’s in the best shape of his life, the fit really isn’t there.

SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 01: Joshua Garnett #65 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after Shaun Draughn #24 of the San Francisco 49ers ran in for a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

The major competition for Garnett, seen above, is Cooper. Cooper was rated 67.0 last year, according to PFF, doing much better than Garnett does. Like Garnett, he’s been a disappointment relative to his draft position. Cooper was the seventh pick in the 2013 draft, but he never played up to those standards.

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Nevertheless, in introducing Cooper, John Lynch had this to say about his newest acquisition (h/t espn.com):

"Having started 27 games in four NFL seasons, Jonathan brings great experience to the interior of our offensive line. We look forward to him competing for a starting job at guard, while also bringing a veteran presence to our locker room. Jonathan is a welcome addition to our team."

Cooper is a better fit for the Shanahan scheme and comes with more experience and proven success. The pitfall to Cooper comes with the news that he will begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, or PUP, according to Joe Fann (h/t cbssports.com).

This news doesn’t mean that much in the grand scheme of things, but it allows Garnett a head start on the competition.

Who I think will start in Week 1: Jonathan Cooper

Training camp isn’t just about battles. Players can come out to surprise you when you least expect it. Take Trent Taylor for example. Sleepers are an essential aspect of training camp.

dark. Next. San Francisco 49ers: 5 under-the-radar players you should watch in training camp

If you disagree with any of my predictions, please comment below.