5 players you'll want to watch most during 49ers OTAs

No. 3 player to watch during 49ers OTAs: Drake Jackson

Again, let's just restate the obvious: It's hard to take anything away from OTAs that's concrete.

Especially when it comes to offensive and defensive linemen, as they can't engage in physical contact whatsoever, meaning pass-rushers and blockers are doing little more than just practicing their footwork.

So, why would we list a pas-rusher like second-year pro Drake Jackson as someone to watch?

Jackson is an interesting case, especially after he was relegated to the healthy-scratch list down the stretch and into the playoffs last season. As Kyle Shanahan pointed out, Jackson's lack of conditioning ultimately hindered a season that started off strong enough with the then-rookie registering three sacks and eight passes batted down before his body began to give out.

The story to watch for Jackson during OTAs is whether or not his physical conditioning ends up being better than what it was a year ago.

If he's reportedly out of shape, the Niners' top pick of the 2022 draft will be in trouble.