49ers 2023 training camp primer: Dates, position battles, big questions & more
By Peter Panacy
One battle to watch for each position during 49ers training camp
Head coach Kyle Shanahan already told reporters the real competition for anything, at least in terms of the depth chart or a roster spot, takes place in training camp. Not organized team activities, not mandatory minicamp.
No, training camp.
Let's look at one key battle to watch at each position.
Quarterback: Trey Lance beating out Sam Darnold
With Brock Purdy all but entrenched as the starter, the fight for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart will be vitally important.
Whoever loses the competition between Trey Lance and Sam Darnold will see his career take a massive blow.
Running back: Elijah Mitchell vs. Jordan Mason
Christian McCaffrey is the No. 1 option on the ground, but the No. 2 rusher is still an open-ended question.
Elijah Mitchell seems to be the favorite, but he's injured too often, meaning second-year pro Jordan Mason has a realistic shot to become the primary backup to McCaffrey.
Wide receiver: No. 5 spot on the depth chart
Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and Ray-Ray McCloud comprise the first four spots on the 49ers' wide receiver depth chart.
Danny Gray, Ronnie Bell, Chris Conley and Willie Snead IV, among others, are all vying to round out the back end of this crucial spot.
Tight end: Primary backup to George Kittle
The Niners have been trying for years to find a quality No. 2 option to pair with the All-Pro, George Kittle.
This year, returnees Ross Dwelley and Charlie Woerner have to fend off two rookies, Cameron Latu and Brayden Willis.
Offensive line: Swing tackle
San Francisco is inserting Colton McKivitz in at right tackle after Mike McGlinchey's offseason free-agent departure, and the rest of the offensive line seems to be set.
However, a swing tackle is very much up in the air. Could Matt Pryor get it? Or will it be someone like Jason Poe, Jaylon Moore, Jon Feliciano or another rookie, Joey Fisher?
Defensive line: No. 2 pass-rusher
The 49ers have the best pass-rusher in the NFL right now, Nick Bosa. After him, it's pretty bleak.
Veteran castoffs like Clelin Ferrell and Austin Bryant are in the mix, while rookie Robert Beal Jr. could potentially take the job. The Niners, however, would probably like it if second-year pro Drake Jackson emerged as Bosa's top pass-rushing linemate.
Jackson won't be handed the job, though.
Linebacker: SAM backer
San Francisco also has the best linebacker corps in the NFL (two years in a row, according to Pro Football Focus), and boasting Dre Greenlaw and All-Pro Fred Warner help with that a lot.
Who takes over the less-used strong-side (SAM) linebacker job after Azeez Al-Shaair left in free agency? Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles? Curtis Robinson? Marcelino McCrary-Ball?
Maybe one of the 49ers' two rookies, Dee Winters or Jalen Graham.
Secondary: Tashaun Gipson vs. Ji'Ayir Brown
The Niners want their top pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, Ji'Ayir Brown, to be the long-term answer at free safety.
He'll have to beat out the savvy veteran, Tashaun Gipson, though.
And the defense figures to be a big question about how training camp flows, so let's get into that next.