49ers training camp: Stock up or down on Trey Lance, 2nd-year players

49ers training camp stock watch: OL Aaron Banks

San Francisco effectively handed the starting left guard spot to last year’s Round 2 pick, offensive lineman Aaron Banks, who saw a mere five regular-season snaps his rookie season and was generally viewed as an immediate bust as a result.

Not so fast, perhaps, as Banks wasn’t going to unseat Pro Bowl left guard Laken Tomlinson. Yet with Tomlinson now with the New York Jets, the 49ers’ plan all along seems to be sliding Banks into that role in year two.

That alone is an easy reason why Banks’ stock value is on the ascent after such a disappointing rookie season. It’d be hard for him to fall much lower than his end-of-2021 stock value, and getting all the first-team reps during training camp is notable.

However, Banks is still struggling with anchoring his feet and has been susceptible to power rushes from an admittedly potent Niners defensive line.

From that vantage point, the former Notre Dame lineman still has a way to go before being a reliable starter, but he’s at least getting all the opportunity needed to hone his skills.

Stock: Up