Niner Noise
FanSided

5 players who impressed the most during 49ers’ 2019 OTAs

By Peter Panacy

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 3, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 5
Next
GREEN BAY, WI – OCTOBER 15: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers signs autographs for fans prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – OCTOBER 15: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers signs autographs for fans prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 15, 2018 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their first three weeks of OTAs and will start mandatory minicamp soon. Yet these five seemed to have the best OTA performances.

Injuries seemed to be the primary theme for the San Francisco 49ers‘ first week of organized team activities (OTAs), but that can be expected. After all, for many, it’s the first meaningful on-field action in months, and there’s inevitably going to be the slight injuries and setbacks.

Once that dust settled, however, these practice sessions began to shine some light on players who were making the most of opportunities.

It’s hard to truly gauge OTAs and determine just how well any player is doing. After all, these are padless practices without tackling or contact. And members of the media were only permitted to attend one practice per week, leaving a total of six sessions unwatched and unreported, aside from what the coaching staff is revealing to the press.

That said, there were a number of standouts from these nine total days. A number of them are projected to hold pretty significant roles, too. So it’s good these players are making early strides to increase their stock value ahead of training camp.

Let’s take a look at the five who seemingly impressed the most.

No. 5: Tight End George Kittle

This should come as a shock to no one, but Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle seems to be pretty good at football.

After setting the single-season record for receiving yards at his position last year, Kittle appears to be picking up where he left off, at least according to 49ers.com’s Joe Fann:

Kittle’s stock value is already high, so Fann’s report isn’t shocking. The bonus, though, is the fact Kittle was showcasing these skills in red-zone drills.

Last year, the 49ers finished dead last in the league in red-zone touchdown efficiency. To see Kittle working on his red-zone presence during OTAs is a good thing, considering he might easily be called upon to serve as one of the offense’s primary weapons in this contested area this season.