49ers training camp: Who’s hot, who’s not after first week of practice

The 49ers wrapped up their first week of training camp on Saturday, and there are some pretty clear-cut risers and fallers so far.

In many ways, the first week of San Francisco 49ers training camp looked a lot like organized team activities or mandatory minicamp. Sure, the intensity is ramped up a bit in contrast to earlier offseason workouts, but players won’t don pads and engage in tackling until practices resume on Monday.

Because of this, and in light of other reasons, it’s understandable the defense will look better than the offense early, especially with the offensive line not being allowed to physically block. And with the Niners defense expected to be pretty good in 2022 anyway, it might not be too big a concern.

Still, the opening week of training camp revealed plenty of standouts, but it also showcased some players who might be leaving a bit more to be desired.

Let’s break down who’s been hot, as well as who hasn’t been hot so far at camp.

Hot: 49ers safety Talanoa Hufanga

There were understandable concerns with San Francisco bidding farewell to longtime starting strong safety Jaquiski Tartt this offseason and then inserting second-year pro Talanoa Hufanga into his stead.

So far in camp, though, it seems to be working.

Hufanga already intercepted quarterback Trey Lance and nearly returned it for a touchdown during one practice, but it’s not like we’re talking about a single session here. So far, the former USC standout isn’t giving up big plays, and the 49ers are doing him a favor by playing him closer to the line of scrimmage where he won’t be susceptible to the lack of straight-line speed he’d need in open-field coverage.

And as far as matching up against Lance, the two have developed something of a friendly rivalry, as Hufanga described to NBC Sports Bay Area:

"We always kind of chirp at each other walking by because we know what kind of day it is. We want to work, The competition is amazing. He can do anything. Any throw that you ask of him, he can do it. It’s a testament to who he is as well. Very grateful to be on the same field as him."

If Hufanga has been shining in camp against Lance, though, it means the latter might be going through some growing pains.