There have been plenty of positives stemming from 49ers training camp, but not all of the news and developments are good. Let’s take a look at some worries.
It’s easy and understandable why San Francisco 49ers fans have become so excited about 2021 training camp, especially watching highlight-reel throws from rookie quarterback Trey Lance, who looks every part the promising up-and-coming signal-caller who’ll eventually become the face of the franchise.
There have been plenty of other notable risers, too, both established veterans impressing a lot and seemingly dark-horse contributors who are well on their way to carving out bona fide roles on the 53-man roster this season.
At the same time, though, the training camp news hasn’t always been glowing or great.
The Niners still have some substantial concerns and worries over the first week-plus of camp. Whether they be related to individual players or certain position groups, head coach Kyle Shanahan has to be at least slightly worried about these four particular situations while hoping they improve between now and Week 1.
No. 4: 49ers seeing slower development with Aaron Banks
First-round NFL Draft picks like Lance get plenty of the attention, but second-round picks are generally expected to at least contend for a starting bid.
While former Notre Dame guard Aaron Banks wasn’t simply handed a starting job after being selected in Round 2, he was at least anticipated to be in the running for the first-string right guard spot in the competition with the veteran, Daniel Brunskill.
To date, Brunskill has taken almost all of the first-team reps, while Banks remains working with the second-string unit.
It’s not a terrible development, per se. After all, Banks wasn’t viewed as a natural fit within Shanahan’s zone-style offense, rather the lineman was more of a power mover.
Still, San Francisco wants to maximize its investment in Banks as soon as possible, and Brunskill’s best value to the team is going to be as a versatile backup capable of supporting multiple positions.
Maybe all that changes between now and Week 1, but it’s looking like Banks is going to be relegated to backup status in year one.