49ers 2019 training camp: 5 players who are impressing early

The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their first practices of 2019 training camp this weekend, and Niner Noise breaks down five who have impressed early on.

As cliche as it sounds, it’s great to finally have San Francisco 49ers football back.

Well, sort of. It’s just training camp practices, and the pads have yet to come on. But at least there are quality on-field reps and analysis to be made after the Niners wrapped up their first weekend of training camp 2019.

A good chunk of the focus, understandably, will fall upon quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who’s looking to bounce back more than just effectively from his 2018 ACL tear. Garoppolo looked sharp in his first real 11-on-11 drills since the injury after missing his first two throws on Saturday. After that, according to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, Garoppolo didn’t miss a toss on day one.

That said, the defense appeared to be much more ahead of the offense early, which isn’t overly shocking. Offensive units, particularly in a system as complex as that of head coach Kyle Shanahan, can take time to jell. If this is still the trend in a couple of weeks, that’s a problem.

Right now, however, there shouldn’t be too much to worry about.

Ultimately, though, training camp is about competition and figuring out which players are best suited for key roles this upcoming season, including who winds up making the 53-man roster.

A number of players are all but guaranteed, and some impressed during camp’s opening weekend. Others on the bubble also increased their chances, too, ensuring Shanahan’s roster decisions in late August won’t be easy.

Here are five players who are standing out in the right way after the first weekend of 49ers training camp.