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

No. 1: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo

If there were a lot of eyes on Nick Bosa, there were certainly more on Jimmy Garoppolo.

Garoppolo didn’t look hindered or bothered by the brace on his previously injured knee, and all accounts pointed out he moved smoothly around in the pocket. True, there wasn’t any semblance of a real pass rush, since the pads are yet to come on. But Jimmy G appeared right where he should be at this point.

While Garoppolo’s first two pass attempts in full 11-on-11 drills fell incomplete, he was able to complete his next six passes. One of those, a long completion to wide receiver Jordan Matthews, seemed to garner the most attention, according to team reporter Kelana Martin:

"The day’s top offensive highlight came on a deep cross route from Jimmy Garoppolo to Jordan Matthews. Matthews’ defender got tripped up, leaving him wide open for a big gain. Matthews, who is in competition in a congested receivers room, was perfect on the day, hauling in each of his three catches."

Garoppolo didn’t have quite the same flare on day two, completing five of his 13 passes during 11-on-11 drills.

But the good news is Garoppolo didn’t at all look hindered by his previous knee injury. And it’s not uncommon to see the offense behind the defense early on in training camp.

So, simply put, Garoppolo is right where he needs to be.

The 49ers resume practices on Monday, July 29 outside Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.