49ers first four days of training camp: Rapid reactions

The San Francisco 49ers have completed their first block of training camp practices, and there wasn't a shortage of news. It likely was not as much action as there will be next week when the pads go on, but it's still fun to have real football to discuss. And there were notable things, such as the defense flying around and getting a little more chippy than they usually do at this point. And it's not like the offense was being timid. WR Jauan Jennings pushed around a few defensive backs like he normally does.

Of course, the biggest news at the start of camp was the absence of a couple of offensive starters. OT Trent Williams is holding out for a new contract. And WR Brandon Aiyuk is holding in for the same reason. Hopefully, both will start practicing soon.

The 49ers are off on Sunday, so it's a good opportunity to take a look at some rapid reactions to the on-field news coming out of the first four days of training camp.

• Starting QB Brock Purdy looks stronger, more decisive, and better overall. And according to 49ers reporter, Matt Barrows, Purdy looks like he has a little more zip on his throws.

• TE Eric Saubert is making some plays. If he can show that his receiving can complement his blocking, he could be a decent number-two tight end.
• Veteran WR Trent Taylor has been Mr. Consistent. He may make this team, if for no other reason because the 49ers need a punt returner who can catch the ball without putting it on the ground. Taylor may not break off any long returns, but he is consistent in fielding punts. And as 49ers fans know, that could be the difference between winning and losing the Super Bowl.
• WR Deebo Samuel looks outstanding. And that's bad news for NFL defenses.

• WR Danny Gray has looked good, too. He had a strong training camp last year, but an injury cost him his season. Will this be his year? He has an uphill battle to make the team, but his speed may be the difference.
• S Malik Mustapha has been everywhere and keeps making plays.

• LT Jaylon Moore is terrible. Let's hope he doesn't have to play much.
• Edge Yetur Gross-Matos has been making noise. He seems to have a sack every practice.

• Rookie OL Jarrett Kingston has been working at right tackle. I didn't see that coming.
• CB Isaac Yiadom has looked great. This was an excellent signing by the 49ers. He makes plays every practice, and I believe he will in games, as well.
• According to Nick Wagoner, of ESPN, the 49ers worked on kickoff returns on Friday, "with multiple combinations working in tandems at returner. The tandems: Jordan Mason/Elijah Mitchell, Deebo Samuel/Kyle Juszczyk, Ronnie Bell/Trent Taylor, Patrick Taylor/Danny Gray and Cody Schrader/Terique Owens. Obviously, still a long way to go to determine how this will play out but those are the early possibilities."

• Rookie WR Ricky Pearsall looks close to returning to practice. The 49ers are hoping he returns on Monday.

• Edge rusher Leonard Floyd was injured early in the first practice, but he returned to the field and has looked dominant.
• Jordan Mason has looked better than Elijah Mitchell so far.
• Let's all hope backup QB Josh Dobbs never has to play. He struggled in the first three practices but was better in the fourth one. He may end up losing the backup role to Brandon Allen.
• Is rookie OL Dominick Puni challenging for a starting position at right guard? It sure looks that way.
• Veteran OL Jon Feliciano worked at right guard, center, and left guard. Could he end up taking the starting center spot from Jake Brendel? It doesn't seem like it, but it's worth watching.
• The 49ers are short on wide receivers. In addition to Aiyuk holding in, and Pearsall out with a hamstring injury, Jacob Cowing (hamstring) and Tay Martin have also missed practice time.
• RG Spencer Burford has a broken hand and will miss some time. That's bad news for him and good news for Puni.
• Edge Robert Beal, Jr. seems to have added some weight and is using it to make his presence felt.
• Rookie RB Cody Schrader hits the right holes when he gets the ball. That should make Bobby Turner happy.
• TE Brayden Willis is making progress. TE Cam Latu is not.

The 49ers get back to work on Monday. The pads come on this week, so we should see more action. This team appears to be focused on returning to the Super Bowl and winning it this time. Let's hope they can stay healthy. If they can, we can expect another deep run for the 49ers.

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