San Francisco 49ers: 5 predictions for training camp MVP in 2020

With the 49ers starting their 2020 installment of training camp this week, Niner Noise offers up some predictions on who’ll end up being camp MVP.

It’s not an official award, predicting who winds up being the San Francisco 49ers‘ MVP during training camp. But it is a discussion point.

And since we’re in the business of discussing points, why not take a look at some players who’ll end up standing out the most when the Niners kick off the on-field portions of camp on Aug. 12. That date is what’s being referred to as the “ramp-up” portion of training camp. Camp officially started when players began reporting on July 28, and the first full week is being used for medical examinations as well as the strength and conditioning program.

Non-padded practices begin on Aug. 14, and the pads are set to be donned Aug. 17.

It’s an unusual offseason, meaning the media at SAP Performance Facility outside Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California will be limited. There are no preseason games either, meaning fans will have to wait to the actual regular season to see their favorite players in action.

Every year, though, there are a handful of players who stand out the most during camp. The past two training camps, wide receiver Richie James has been a pass-catching standout. But he’s out on the reserve/COVID-19 list and is also recovering from a broken wrist suffered earlier this offseason.

Both factors all but rule him out from being named Niner Noise’s camp MVP.

There are plenty of other candidates, however. A number of players could easily turn heads during practices and emerge as would-be best players from these all-too-important practice sessions. For some, it’ll mean the difference between not making the 53-man roster and making it. For others, their performances will generate plenty of hype for the regular season.

Here are five who could earn this accolade between now and Week 1.