49ers vs. Packers: 4 key preseason questions that need answers

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Southern California Trojans linebacker Drake Jackson (99) Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Key question No. 3: Can 49ers rookies shine under the spotlight?

Kyle Shanahan said to reporters (h/t 49ers Webzone) when asked what he wants to see from rookies in preseason games that:

"Just that the game’s not too big for them. That is the one thing that I do like about preseason games. It’s just that there’s some people that– some people get better when the lights are on and some get worse … And sometimes you get some guys who you think is a really good player and you get out there and for some reason whoever’s in the crowd or whatever it is, they kind of just melt and you’re like, alright, he’s not quite as ready as I thought."

The Niners didn’t have a first-round pick in this year’s draft, but they have a solid host of rookies, all of whom have flashed in practice but have not shown their ability when the lights are on, as Shanahan put it.

EDGE Drake Jackson, San Francisco’s second-round pick, has been downright dominant at times against backup tackles, though his run defense has been poor and his reps have been, understandably, much worse when up against the starting tackles (h/t Niners Nation). It’s important to see how he plays, though, when facing new opposition in a setting more conducive to the offense simply because there’s great uncertainty over how ready he is for snaps in the regular season.

Other players who stand to benefit from the exposure include Spencer Burford, who has seemingly locked down the starting right-guard spot but still needs to show how he responds after getting beat in a game. And Danny Gray, the speedster receiver who has borne the brunt of Shanahan’s ire.

Every rookie has a chance to show that they belong in the NFL. Even though the counting stats may not matter, being able to play at a high level when given the chance absolutely does.