49ers training camp: 5 players who must get out to a hot start

While training camp is important to every 49ers player, these five are likely to be under the microscope and will need to impress early.

The San Francisco 49ers don’t have to worry about a number of their top players performing well during training camp in 2022.

Case in point, All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams could probably work out on the sideline when camp kicks off in late July, and no one would raise an eyebrow. He’ll be fine once the regular season commences.

For others, though, training camp will determine whether or not some players have a bona fide role on the 53-man roster or even if they’ll make the squad altogether, and falling behind in depth-chart competitions isn’t exactly a smart way to stay off the roster bubble.

Of all the players on the Niners’ 90-man offseason roster, these five will want to ensure they begin training camp on the right note and perform well early.

No. 5: 49ers left guard Aaron Banks

While most fans are going to focus on how well quarterback Trey Lance is performing in his first full year as a starter, an equal amount of attention should be given to a player assigned with protecting him, second-year guard Aaron Banks.

In the wake of losing Pro Bowler Laken Tomlinson to free agency this offseason, Banks now slides in as the presumed starter at left guard despite seeing only five regular-season snaps his rookie year after being drafted in Round 2.

San Francisco’s offensive line is arguably the biggest question mark ahead of the 2022 season with both Tomlinson and Pro Bowl center Alex Mack no longer in the equation, and Banks’ success or failure as a starter will be a crucial factor in determining whether or not this unit will be a liability.

A slow start from Banks will suggest this problem is going to be bigger than the 49ers originally anticipated, and the last thing the former Notre Dame lineman will want to do is flame out early in camp, creating a serious worry point from the outset.