While there have been plenty of standouts during 49ers training camp, a number of players need to step it up to ensure their roster spots.
It’s still early, but San Francisco 49ers training camp in 2020 has already produced some notable storylines.
One of the bigger ones is the Niners’ first-round rookie, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is already flashing enough in camp to suggest he’ll be a seamless fit in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Previously, there were concerns Aiyuk might be facing an uphill task acclimating to the lofty expectations placed upon him amid a banged-up receiver corps lacking impact weapons.
But Aiyuk has already flashed some excellent playmaking abilities.
EDGE Nick Bosa, running back Jerick McKinnon and fellow rookie wideout Jauan Jennings have all had solid efforts, too, alleviating some of the concerns a lack of spring workouts could hinder San Francisco’s chances at returning to the Super Bowl.
For each “win” on the field, however, someone ultimately has to lose. That’s the way it goes. And unfortunately, there are a number of players who haven’t exactly performed well during the first three days of on-field practices.
While a number of lower performances can be understood and granted, the lack of output early could put these three players deeper onto the 53-man roster bubble. The 49ers aren’t exactly in a position where they can absorb players for developmental purposes or hang onto players who are underperforming. For the most part, the Niners’ depth is simply too good to retain such players.
So, if these three players don’t turn things around sooner than later, it could be awfully difficult for them to make the regular-season roster cut between now and Week 1.