49ers: Top 10 takeaways from first weekend of training camp

Top 10 takeaways from 49ers’ first weekend of training camp

SANTA CLARA, CA - MAY 11: LaMichael James #23 of the San Francisco 49ers carries the ball running away from Michael Wilhoite #57 during Rookie Minincamp at the San Francisco 49ers practice facility on May 11, 2012 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 30: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens #4 looks to pass during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 30, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Nick Mullens takes an early lead in the backup QB race

The biggest battle on the offensive front is who will take over the backup quarterback duties.

Hopefully it will be a moot point and Garoppolo will be the starter all year, but it’s still a very important battle nonetheless.

It’s early days, but Nick Mullens has an early edge in the battle over C.J. Beathard.

All weekend, Mullens has taken the second-team snaps and has performed well in that role.

It isn’t a big surprise, given Mullens impressed in his evolution from practice squad quarterback to competent starter, but it should help erase any lingering fear last season was a fluke if he continues to perform.

The battle isn’t close to over yet, but first blood goes to Mullens.