49ers 2020 draft class: 5 rookies who’ll impress most in training camp
By Peter Panacy
The San Francisco 49ers brought in five players via the 2020 NFL Draft along with 10 undrafted free agents, and these five will impress the most in training camp.
It’s anyone’s guess if the San Francisco 49ers will start training camp on time amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
But if it does start in a timely fashion, there are some players you’ll want to keep an eye on.
The Niners just wrapped up their 2020 NFL Draft class, bringing aboard a total of five prospects who’ll have an excellent chance to compete for key roles this upcoming season:
- DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
- WR Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
- OL Colton McKivitz, West Virginia
- TE Charlie Woerner, Georgia
- WR Jauan Jennings, Tennessee
On top of those players, San Francisco inked an additional 10 undrafted free agents, and some of those players may end up surprising you, too.
Rookies are always exciting to watch during training camp. Yet with the 49ers already boasting a Super Bowl-caliber team with relatively few holes on the roster, these first-year players will have to put in a good deal of effort to solidify their chances.
Here are five who’ll likely impress the most.
Cornerback DeMarkus Acy, Missouri
The Niners didn’t draft any cornerbacks despite some notable long-term needs at the position. But it’s possible the UDFA find of Missouri corner DeMarkus Acy winds up being a total steal.
Acy received some publicity heading into 2019. And while his efforts last year didn’t warrant enough attention to get himself drafted, there’s something to be said about a 6-foot-2, 190-pound corner who can excel in zone coverage.
No wonder San Francisco went after him right away after the draft was complete. He fits the mold.
Acy will have some older veterans ahead of him on the offseason depth chart, namely Dontae Johnson and Jason Verrett, who are back on one-year deals. Yet it wouldn’t be shocking at all to watch Acy climb the ranks, particularly if the Niners see him as someone who could potentially start in 2021.