49ers begin OTAs this week, here's what you'll want to watch

The 49ers begin the next phase of offseason workouts with organized team activities (OTAs) this week. Here's what you'll want to watch closely.

While it might lack the intensity and scrutiny of training camp, organized team activities (OTAs) are perhaps the best glimpse into what's going on for any given team during the offseason.

Yes, it seems as if the San Francisco 49ers just wrapped up their additions via the 2023 NFL Draft just a few short days ago (it's actually been almost a month now), and yet the next part of their offseason schedule is happening this week.

The Niners kick off OTAs on Monday, May 22 outside of Levi's Stadium. There are additional practices on May 23, 25, 30 and 31 in addition to June 2, 5, 6 and 8 before mandatory minicamp kicks off on June 13.

And if the last part wasn't a giveaway, OTAs actually aren't mandatory.

Practices are also padless, so there won't be any contact or open-field tackling. As such, it's hard to gauge how effective some positions will be, such as a cornerback who can't use press coverage by bumping a receive at the line of scrimmage, or a pass-rusher who wants to use a violent hand chop.

All told, there isn't a ton of concrete takeaways from OTAs, but there are plenty of hints and storylines that matter.

Here are the ones you'll want to watch out for during San Francisco's 2023 OTA sessions.