2023 Camp Battles

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by AB81Rules:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by AB81Rules:
No way Jon Feliciano is fighting for a roster spot, he got nearly all of his $2.25M deal fully GTD.

Also I don't see Colletto vs Bell being a thing, more likely Colletto vs TDP, I have Bell on the 53, 6 WRs this year, Bell is underrated, he & Gray are replacements for Ray-Ray & Jauan IMO, Bell won't clear waivers IMO.

Agreed.

Colletto would be a FB2 (offensive weapon) and Bell, WR6. I think both are competing to show versatility and ST value to make the 53. I don't see them directly competing with each other per se, but with the 53 on offense overall.

If I had it my way, and Colletto plays well, I'd just cut TDP, I just never understood the pick from the get go, Mason beat him out for reps, and keep Colletto as a backup/ST guy.

How many guys do you view as locks to make the team, would love to see what our lists look like, we're usually down the last 5-7 spots at most each year, might only be 2-3 differences between our final rosters.

Honestly, that would make the most sense to me esp. given how effortlessly this FO finds excellent RB's late and as UDFA's. Easy to call up too. Could Kyle finally go with just 3 RB's again?

Oh boy, you've given me a fun new project to work on. Give me a couple days (traveling). I'll post it in the 53 man roster thread. But yeah, I don't anticipate more than a handful of differences.

It wouldn't be a surprise if the 2 undrafted RB's are better than TDP.

Originally posted by 49erF90:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by AB81Rules:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by AB81Rules:
No way Jon Feliciano is fighting for a roster spot, he got nearly all of his $2.25M deal fully GTD.

Also I don't see Colletto vs Bell being a thing, more likely Colletto vs TDP, I have Bell on the 53, 6 WRs this year, Bell is underrated, he & Gray are replacements for Ray-Ray & Jauan IMO, Bell won't clear waivers IMO.

Agreed.

Colletto would be a FB2 (offensive weapon) and Bell, WR6. I think both are competing to show versatility and ST value to make the 53. I don't see them directly competing with each other per se, but with the 53 on offense overall.

If I had it my way, and Colletto plays well, I'd just cut TDP, I just never understood the pick from the get go, Mason beat him out for reps, and keep Colletto as a backup/ST guy.

How many guys do you view as locks to make the team, would love to see what our lists look like, we're usually down the last 5-7 spots at most each year, might only be 2-3 differences between our final rosters.

Honestly, that would make the most sense to me esp. given how effortlessly this FO finds excellent RB's late and as UDFA's. Easy to call up too. Could Kyle finally go with just 3 RB's again?

Oh boy, you've given me a fun new project to work on. Give me a couple days (traveling). I'll post it in the 53 man roster thread. But yeah, I don't anticipate more than a handful of differences.

It wouldn't be a surprise if the 2 undrafted RB's are better than TDP.

Not even a tad bit.

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by RDB4216:

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by 49erBigMac:

Originally posted by NCommand:
That's fair! We assume it'll be Mitchell but that could be a legit competition.

It won't be, Mitchell is exponentially better

This. How anyone can think otherwise is kinda laughable. Mitchell's only flaw is health

"Only" flaw - is a pretty major one. Like I said, I think Mason brings more as a 1-2 punch. He can come in and start to wear down the defense. And he broke some nice runs last year, against a stacked defense that knew he was getting the ball.

Exactly! Kyle doesn't give af about talent if it can't stay healthy. He's already shipped off 3 RB's for that very reason.

RB2-4 is going to be a legit competition.

And Mitchell hasn't done this? Over a much larger sample size at that? Mitchell is a much better RB and it isn't even close for me. To each their own

The competition is what role. Second off the bench? Third? You're also not looking at TDP and the UDFA's. Kyle cut Mostert who had record performances here.

I love Mitchell too but as Kyle proved, if he doesn't believe in your health, the door is wide open for another esp. at RB where we use a heavy rotation anyhow and there will be plenty of carries to go around.

That's what makes RB2-4 a true legit competition, IMHO.

Mostert was cut? I don't remember it that way, I thought he just wasn't re-signed as a FA. Big difference there between a 6th round pick contract and what Mostert was looking for, after we already gave him a new contract prior. The role I see Mitchell in is a backup to CMC, the only way I don't see him in that role is if traded or hurt, not because he lost that role to Mason.

His history of health issues IS what makes it a competition.

As to talent, I too like Mitchell > Mason and that's no slight to Mason at all. Mitchell has a very natural feel for this scheme.

Hopefully it works out to a healthy CMC * Mitchell * Mitchell all year long. And we'll see what we have with TDP and the two UDFA's who have talent as well esp. Laborn.

Okay well then that changes the tune of the conversation and I can agree with this. Your original post mentioned nothing abou health, just that it would be a legit competition. The other guy straight up said that he thinks Mason offers more as a 1-2 punch.

Oh gotcha!

True, I didn't specify why there might be a competition on these. That might get a little too into the weeds.

Yeah, I don't agree with that but I'm wondering if he said that because Mason is more of pure change up to CMC's slasher role, similar to Mitchell.

Either way I want all three crushing it this year and healthy. Keep your eye on TDP and Laborn too. Some players have said TDP is someone to keep an eye on and the media is saying Laborn already stands out.

Good times!

So that's the real story here. It seems like we all agree unanimously that CMC, Mitchell and Mason are in the 53. The other one or two will be decided between Labron, TDP, and Awatt.

Originally posted by 49erF90:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by RDB4216:

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by 49erBigMac:

Originally posted by NCommand:
That's fair! We assume it'll be Mitchell but that could be a legit competition.

It won't be, Mitchell is exponentially better

This. How anyone can think otherwise is kinda laughable. Mitchell's only flaw is health

"Only" flaw - is a pretty major one. Like I said, I think Mason brings more as a 1-2 punch. He can come in and start to wear down the defense. And he broke some nice runs last year, against a stacked defense that knew he was getting the ball.

Exactly! Kyle doesn't give af about talent if it can't stay healthy. He's already shipped off 3 RB's for that very reason.

RB2-4 is going to be a legit competition.

And Mitchell hasn't done this? Over a much larger sample size at that? Mitchell is a much better RB and it isn't even close for me. To each their own

The competition is what role. Second off the bench? Third? You're also not looking at TDP and the UDFA's. Kyle cut Mostert who had record performances here.

I love Mitchell too but as Kyle proved, if he doesn't believe in your health, the door is wide open for another esp. at RB where we use a heavy rotation anyhow and there will be plenty of carries to go around.

That's what makes RB2-4 a true legit competition, IMHO.

Mostert was cut? I don't remember it that way, I thought he just wasn't re-signed as a FA. Big difference there between a 6th round pick contract and what Mostert was looking for, after we already gave him a new contract prior. The role I see Mitchell in is a backup to CMC, the only way I don't see him in that role is if traded or hurt, not because he lost that role to Mason.

His history of health issues IS what makes it a competition.

As to talent, I too like Mitchell > Mason and that's no slight to Mason at all. Mitchell has a very natural feel for this scheme.

Hopefully it works out to a healthy CMC * Mitchell * Mitchell all year long. And we'll see what we have with TDP and the two UDFA's who have talent as well esp. Laborn.

Okay well then that changes the tune of the conversation and I can agree with this. Your original post mentioned nothing abou health, just that it would be a legit competition. The other guy straight up said that he thinks Mason offers more as a 1-2 punch.

Oh gotcha!

True, I didn't specify why there might be a competition on these. That might get a little too into the weeds.

Yeah, I don't agree with that but I'm wondering if he said that because Mason is more of pure change up to CMC's slasher role, similar to Mitchell.

Either way I want all three crushing it this year and healthy. Keep your eye on TDP and Laborn too. Some players have said TDP is someone to keep an eye on and the media is saying Laborn already stands out.

Good times!

So that's the real story here. It seems like we all agree unanimously that CMC, Mitchell and Mason are in the 53. The other one or two will be decided between Labron, TDP, and Awatt.

That's definitely the starting odds, for sure.

I'd bet good money that we keep Laborn over TDP and certainly a backup FB. I could be wrong though.

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by NCommand:

Originally posted by RDB4216:

Originally posted by 49ers808:

Originally posted by 49erBigMac:

Originally posted by NCommand:
That's fair! We assume it'll be Mitchell but that could be a legit competition.

It won't be, Mitchell is exponentially better

This. How anyone can think otherwise is kinda laughable. Mitchell's only flaw is health

"Only" flaw - is a pretty major one. Like I said, I think Mason brings more as a 1-2 punch. He can come in and start to wear down the defense. And he broke some nice runs last year, against a stacked defense that knew he was getting the ball.

Exactly! Kyle doesn't give af about talent if it can't stay healthy. He's already shipped off 3 RB's for that very reason.

RB2-4 is going to be a legit competition.

And Mitchell hasn't done this? Over a much larger sample size at that? Mitchell is a much better RB and it isn't even close for me. To each their own

The competition is what role. Second off the bench? Third? You're also not looking at TDP and the UDFA's. Kyle cut Mostert who had record performances here.

I love Mitchell too but as Kyle proved, if he doesn't believe in your health, the door is wide open for another esp. at RB where we use a heavy rotation anyhow and there will be plenty of carries to go around.

That's what makes RB2-4 a true legit competition, IMHO.

Mostert was cut? I don't remember it that way, I thought he just wasn't re-signed as a FA. Big difference there between a 6th round pick contract and what Mostert was looking for, after we already gave him a new contract prior. The role I see Mitchell in is a backup to CMC, the only way I don't see him in that role is if traded or hurt, not because he lost that role to Mason.

His history of health issues IS what makes it a competition.

As to talent, I too like Mitchell > Mason and that's no slight to Mason at all. Mitchell has a very natural feel for this scheme.

Hopefully it works out to a healthy CMC * Mitchell * Mitchell all year long. And we'll see what we have with TDP and the two UDFA's who have talent as well esp. Laborn.

Okay well then that changes the tune of the conversation and I can agree with this. Your original post mentioned nothing abou health, just that it would be a legit competition. The other guy straight up said that he thinks Mason offers more as a 1-2 punch.

So you think Mitchell would bring more, being used as a power back to wear down the defense? With his slight frame and injury history? Maybe we should run Trey up the middle more, too? Any my post that he was replying too, did mention health.

Originally posted by SLCNiner:
Gonzalez VS Moody!

Of all the people that face palm'd, or the experts over-reacting to the 49ers drafting a kicker in the 3rd - I bet Gonzalez's reaction outdid them all.

Originally posted by Waterbear:
I'd bet good money that we keep Laborn over TDP and certainly a backup FB. I could be wrong though.

I agree with the Laborn, if he outplays TDP, you keep the better player, but I don't see a 2nd FB making it, would be a waste of a roster spot, because he wouldn't be active, just my 2 cents.

Kinlaw vs which reporter this year?

the real battle

Originally posted by AB81Rules:

Originally posted by Waterbear:
I'd bet good money that we keep Laborn over TDP and certainly a backup FB. I could be wrong though.

I agree with the Laborn, if he outplays TDP, you keep the better player, but I don't see a 2nd FB making it, would be a waste of a roster spot, because he wouldn't be active, just my 2 cents.

I think we can immediately just tell at this point who fits Kyle's offense and who doesn't. There were reports from the beginning of camp last year that Mason looked better than TDP. I expect the same thing from Laborn. He's too talented to keep on the practice squad IMO.

And yeah, I don't understand the backup FB thing. And now special teams is devalued. No chance he's making it IMO.

Originally posted by Waterbear:

Originally posted by AB81Rules:

Originally posted by Waterbear:
I'd bet good money that we keep Laborn over TDP and certainly a backup FB. I could be wrong though.

I agree with the Laborn, if he outplays TDP, you keep the better player, but I don't see a 2nd FB making it, would be a waste of a roster spot, because he wouldn't be active, just my 2 cents.

I think we can immediately just tell at this point who fits Kyle's offense and who doesn't. There were reports from the beginning of camp last year that Mason looked better than TDP. I expect the same thing from Laborn. He's too talented to keep on the practice squad IMO.

And yeah, I don't understand the backup FB thing. And now special teams is devalued. No chance he's making it IMO.

Yeah I can see Laborn making it over TDP, he's cheaper, signed as long as TDP is, not sure the savings or cap differences, but it's significant being a 3rd rd pick vs a UDFA.

Agreed on FB thing, and STs, I still think punt return coverage will still be a big thing, as I think the fair catch rule is only for kickoffs, so still have the Punter trying to pin the team inside the 20, or 10, etc...

How I view the roster, my locks, I have 47 of them, I know that's a lot, but I just like some of these guys more than other players.

Here's my article on my locks, plus them below, https://49erscap.com/index.php/2023/05/14/breaking-down-the-2023-49ers-roster-with-my-locks-50-50s-long-shots-to-make-the-53-man-roster/

Locks:

1. QB Brock Purdy
2. QB Trey Lance
3. QB Sam Darnold
4. RB Christian McCaffrey
5. RB Elijah Mitchell
6. RB Jordan Mason
7. FB Kyle Juszcyzk
8. WR Deebo Samuel
9. WR Brandon Aiyuk
10. WR Jauan Jennings
11. WR Ray-Ray McCloud III
12. WR Danny Gray
13. TE George Kittle
14. TE Cameron Latu
15. TE Brayden Willis
16. C Jake Brendel
17. C Jon Feliciano
18. LG Aaron Banks
19. LG Nick Zakelj
20. RG Spencer Burford
21. LT Trent Williams
22. RT Colton McKivitz
23. DE Nick Bosa
24. DE Drake Jackson
25. DE Clelin Ferrell
26. DE Robert Beal Jr.
27. DT Arik Armstead
28. DT Javon Kinlaw
29. DT Kevin Givens
30. NT Javon Hargrave
31. NT Kalia Davis
32. WLB Dre Greenlaw
33. MLB Fred Warner
34. MLB Oren Burks
35. CB Charvarius Ward
36. CB Deommodore Lenoir
37. CB Isaiah Oliver
38. CB Samuel Womack III
39. CB Darrell Luter Jr.
40. FS Tashaun Gipson Sr.
41. FS Ji'Ayir Brown
42. FS Myles Hartsfield
43. SS Talanoa Hufanga
44. SS George Odum
45. PK Jake Moody
46. P Mitch Wishnowsky
47. LS Taybor Pepper

This would leave 6 spots open, not saying all of these 47 make it.

My key camp battles article, plus 5 players under pressure to perform, https://49erscap.com/index.php/2023/05/24/a-look-at-my-key-camp-battles-5-players-under-the-most-pressure-to-perform-this-offseason/

#1 QB: Brock vs Trey vs Sam

#4 RB TDP vs Laborn vs Awatt

#6 WR: Bell vs Conley vs Snead

Potential #4 TE: Dwelley vs Woerner

Swing Tackle: Pryor vs Moore

5th EDGE: Bryant vs Hyder

Starting SAM LB: DFF vs McCrary-Ball vs Burks vs Winters vs Graham

Potential 6th CB: Ambry vs Knight vs Jamison

These are some of the camp battles I'm looking forward to seeing.

Originally posted by AB81Rules:
How I view the roster, my locks, I have 47 of them, I know that's a lot, but I just like some of these guys more than other players.

Here's my article on my locks, plus them below, https://49erscap.com/index.php/2023/05/14/breaking-down-the-2023-49ers-roster-with-my-locks-50-50s-long-shots-to-make-the-53-man-roster/

Locks:

1. QB Brock Purdy
2. QB Trey Lance
3. QB Sam Darnold
4. RB Christian McCaffrey
5. RB Elijah Mitchell
6. RB Jordan Mason
7. FB Kyle Juszcyzk
8. WR Deebo Samuel
9. WR Brandon Aiyuk
10. WR Jauan Jennings
11. WR Ray-Ray McCloud III
12. WR Danny Gray
13. TE George Kittle
14. TE Cameron Latu
15. TE Brayden Willis
16. C Jake Brendel
17. C Jon Feliciano
18. LG Aaron Banks
19. LG Nick Zakelj
20. RG Spencer Burford
21. LT Trent Williams
22. RT Colton McKivitz
23. DE Nick Bosa
24. DE Drake Jackson
25. DE Clelin Ferrell
26. DE Robert Beal Jr.
27. DT Arik Armstead
28. DT Javon Kinlaw
29. DT Kevin Givens
30. NT Javon Hargrave
31. NT Kalia Davis
32. WLB Dre Greenlaw
33. MLB Fred Warner
34. MLB Oren Burks
35. CB Charvarius Ward
36. CB Deommodore Lenoir
37. CB Isaiah Oliver
38. CB Samuel Womack III
39. CB Darrell Luter Jr.
40. FS Tashaun Gipson Sr.
41. FS Ji'Ayir Brown
42. FS Myles Hartsfield
43. SS Talanoa Hufanga
44. SS George Odum
45. PK Jake Moody
46. P Mitch Wishnowsky
47. LS Taybor Pepper

This would leave 6 spots open, not saying all of these 47 make it.

My key camp battles article, plus 5 players under pressure to perform, https://49erscap.com/index.php/2023/05/24/a-look-at-my-key-camp-battles-5-players-under-the-most-pressure-to-perform-this-offseason/

#1 QB: Brock vs Trey vs Sam

#4 RB TDP vs Laborn vs Awatt

#6 WR: Bell vs Conley vs Snead

Potential #4 TE: Dwelley vs Woerner

Swing Tackle: Pryor vs Moore

5th EDGE: Bryant vs Hyder

Starting SAM LB: DFF vs McCrary-Ball vs Burks vs Winters vs Graham

Potential 6th CB: Ambry vs Knight vs Jamison

These are some of the camp battles I'm looking forward to seeing.

Great stuff AB. I have a slightly more rigid definition of a 'lock' (I have 36) but you give valid reasons for yours as well.

Until I did the thread, I didn't realize how many legit battle there are. I expected less given how deep the roster already was but there are some good ones. You highlighted several here!

Laborn seems to be one of the most interesting rookies this year. I think he's got the skillset but what stood out for me the most is his history. Most of us can agree how mental toughness is just as important if not more important than the physical acumen of a player. Laborn, suffered setbacks during his early years in college, learned about how damaging having bad behavior and poor judgment and he also suffered injury/injuries. But he overcame all of this and was able to turned his life and career around and even finished his degree. He is going to be a gem or a steal for us depending on how good he can perform. His character is not a question anymore in my opinion.

Originally posted by DRCHOWDER:
Kinlaw vs which reporter this year?

the real battle