The 49ers’ mandatory minicamp is coming to a conclusion, and training camp, which starts at the end of July, is quickly approaching. The 49ers’ contract negotiations with Brandon Aiyuk are the main story coming out of the team’s facilities, but filling the 53-man roster requires difficult choices, especially with a squad as deep as theirs. Since it’s a numbers game, some talented players will be cut before they can undoubtedly find a place on another team.
For several 49ers players, training camp will be crucial and might determine whether they stay with the team or not. Players will need to be strategically placed on the practice squad or PUP, which will require some risk-taking. Known for having a keen sense of talent,
With undrafted free agents and especially in later rounds, other teams will be watching who finds themselves on the outside looking in.
The following players are “on the clock” for training camp:
Danny Gray
The 49ers’ receiver room is secured by five locks. The 53-man roster is scrawled in pen with Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, and Aiyuk (yep, the 49ers still plan to extend him). Chris Conley, Ronnie Bell, and other players are competing against Gray for one of the two receiver room spots that are still open. Because of his skill on special teams and expertise, Conley is well-liked inside the organization. Bell is by no means a lock, but he has experience and came on strong early on. Gray’s chances of making the squad are slim.
The good news is that Gray has already garnered recognition from offseason exercises; nevertheless, this must transition into pads. It’s difficult for me to see a jump significant enough to merit a roster berth. My doubts are primarily based on injuries and drop difficulties, but the 49ers invested in Gray, and this is a results-driven organization.
The 49ers have expressed their opinions to you regarding Latu’s chances of replacing the TE2 position. Despite playing few snaps, Brayden Willis has garnered attention. Last season, Latu was virtually a “redshirt” because he missed the entire season due to injury and had drop difficulties before to going to injured reserve.
For more evidence, consider the fact that Kyle Shanahan flatly denied any discussion of Latu moving to the TE2 position, adding that he must make the field before such a discussion can take place. Not to be forgotten is that before Detroit matched the 49ers’ offer sheet, Brock Wright was signed. Alongside seasoned tight end Logan Thomas, Eric Suebert was also signed. Making this call is simple.
When Thomas was placed back into the starting lineup against Jacksonville, he showed signs of improvement, but the team eventually made the decision to keep him off the field in the final stages. When you combine Thomas’ performance with the selections of Renardo Green in the draft and the free agent signings of Isaac Yiadom and Rock Ya-Sin, things could get difficult for the former third-round pick.
Womack is neither an outside corner nor a slot corner. With Malik Mustapha in the secondary, it is difficult to see where Womack fits in, and this turns into a numbers game. It is difficult to defend reserving a roster spot for a unique member of the squad. Womack won’t probably get a look until after Darrell Luter.
Do you think that anyone else is “on the clock”?
Regarding the
Womack is neither an outside corner nor a slot corner. With Malik Mustapha in the secondary, it is difficult to see where Womack fits in, and this turns into a numbers game. It is difficult to defend reserving a roster spot for a unique member of the squad. Womack won’t probably get a look until after
Do you think that anyone else is “on the clock”?
To hear my whole conversation with Locked on Niners’ Brian Peacock, visit the
