Niner Noise
FanSided

3 under-the-radar players who are impressing in 49ers training camp

By Josh Altorfer

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 29: A view of San Francisco 49ers helmets on the bench during their NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on November 29, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 29: A view of San Francisco 49ers helmets on the bench during their NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium on November 29, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Kyle Whittingham of the Utah Utes talks to his player punter Mitch Wishnowsky #33 of the Utah Utes during the first of an college football game against the San Jose State Spartans on September 16, 2017 at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – SEPTEMBER 16: Head coach Kyle Whittingham of the Utah Utes talks to his player punter Mitch Wishnowsky #33 of the Utah Utes during the first of an college football game against the San Jose State Spartans on September 16, 2017 at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Punter Mitch Wishnowsky?

He’s the guy you got a phone alert about on day three of the NFL Draft that made you think aloud, “Did the Niners really just take a punter?”, in the middle of a work meeting.

Alright, one punter joke is enough. But it’s also necessary.

In all seriousness, a punter can be an extremely important position, especially if the team lacks a good one. Chances are, if you have been following the 49ers’ camp this season, you have heard good things about Mitch Wishnowsky.

The hype on his hang time and corner kicks is getting real. Longtime punt returners Trent Taylor and Dante Pettis have recently praised Wishnowsky’s booming kicks.

Back in June’s organized team activities (OTAs) Taylor was quoted as saying, “I feel like I’m sitting there waiting for it to come down for way too long. Then once you’re there for too long you start overthinking it. That’s what makes him good.”

Pettis and teammates have also talked about how the spin he puts on the ball makes it difficult to catch.

It may sound odd, but Wishnowsky could be a serious weapon if he is able to flip field position with his leg by booting it deep. He also has the opportunity to create turnovers with his hang time if returners become anxious enough to make a mistake.