Niner Noise
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49ers training camp 2018: 5 players who have impressed the most so far

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers is wearing jersey #44 while participating in drill during practice on September 11, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne was wearing the #44 jersey for the 49ers scout team preparing for Monday nights game against the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers is wearing jersey #44 while participating in drill during practice on September 11, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne was wearing the #44 jersey for the 49ers scout team preparing for Monday nights game against the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Running back Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – AUGUST 11: Running back Joe Williams #32 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball during the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Running Back Joe Williams

Heading into 2018, second-year tailback Joe Williams seemed to be on the periphery of the 49ers depth chart. After all, he dealt with serious ball-security issues during his first training camp a year ago and ended up being redshirted in 2017 with an ankle injury.

Earlier this offseason, head coach Kyle Shanahan noted Williams would be expected to “turn up the urgency” his second season.

So far, Williams appears to be doing so.

On one particular play in Week 1, Williams ripped off a 65-yard carry that went for a touchdown, flashing the speed and elusiveness that drew the Niners to him in the first place.

There was this too, as Williams was able to easily move through the first, second and third levels of the Niners defense:

Williams still has a tough road ahead, though. Almost as impressive has been last year’s No. 2 runner, Matt Breida, who ranked third on the 49ers with 645 all-purpose yards his rookie season. There’s fellow running back and special teams ace Raheem Mostert, whom Pro Football Focus ranked the second best special teamer in 2017.

There’s no guarantee Williams makes the 53-man roster. But at least he’s doing all he can thus far.