The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for their upcoming OTAs, and there's a lot to keep an eye on as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Here's a breakdown of five key areas that will be under the microscope during this critical phase of the offseason program.
The Running Back Rotation
The 49ers' backfield is a fascinating mix of established stars and promising newcomers. Christian McCaffrey is the clear-cut leader, but the battle for the second string is intense. Kaelon Black and Jordan James will compete for the RB2 role, with Isaac Guerendo also in the mix. It's a classic 'ride the hot hand' scenario, and both Black and James will have their chances to impress during the preseason and regular season.
The team's history with running backs is instructive. In 2021, Trey Sermon was given the first opportunity, but his performance didn't stand out. Elijah Mitchell, a jacked, undersized, speedy runner, quickly took over, and his dominance continued for several seasons. This suggests that the 49ers value speed and athleticism in their running backs, and the current crop of players will be judged accordingly.
Left Guard: A Revolving Door?
The 49ers' left guard position has been a bit of a revolving door in recent years. They let Aaron Banks walk in free agency and cycled through three left guards last year. To address this, they signed Robert Jones and Brett Toth, and drafted Carver Willis. This suggests a desire for a veteran presence, but they're also open to a rookie stepping up and claiming the job.
Willis, in particular, is an intriguing prospect. He may be the long-term option at center, and his versatility could be a boon. However, he won't play the position he did in college, which could lead to a learning curve. This gives the veterans a slight edge, but if Willis can quickly adapt, he could be the surprise package.
Wide Receiver Alignments
Kyle Shanahan's approach to wide receiver alignments is a fascinating one. Mike Evans, a traditional wideout, lined up out wide in 165 of his routes last year. However, the 49ers seem to favor their bigger wideouts closer to the line of scrimmage. Demarcus Robinson's alignment in 2025 provides a clue, with 152 routes out wide and only 100 in the slot. Ricky Pearsall, too, ran more routes out wide, despite having 19 'tight' routes.
This suggests that Evans and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling will be featured in 'nasty' splits, a yard or two away from the offensive tackle. This positioning is ideal for the run game but also puts them in a challenging coverage situation, facing linebackers or safeties.
Undrafted Safety Prospects
The safety play for the 49ers last season was underwhelming, and the team is eager to see if any undrafted rookie safeties can step up. The athletic spectrum of Jalen Stroman and Larry Worth suggests that Jakob Robinson could get a crack at the position. If one of these young players can demonstrate playmaking skills or a knack for being around the ball, they'll slowly climb the depth chart.
Front 7 Moving Parts
The defensive line is a key area of focus. Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams are returning from ACL injuries, and there's an opportunity for someone to make a name for themselves. Alfred Collins and CJ West are established, but Gracen Halton, a college standout, is also in the mix. His potential was high enough that some analysts thought he'd be drafted in the second round.
Nick Martin's role is also uncertain. With the addition of Dre Greenlaw, Martin's best opportunity may be at SAM linebacker. He and Romello Height could be part of Raheem Morris' blitz packages, with Height as the prototypical pass rusher. The question is, will someone step up and take advantage of these opportunities?
OTA Dates and Mandatory Minicamp
The 49ers' OTAs are set for May 27-29, June 1, and June 3-4. Mandatory minicamp follows on June 9-10, providing a crucial period for players to showcase their skills and impress the coaching staff.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season, these OTAs will be a critical phase, offering a glimpse into the future of the 49ers' roster and the potential for some surprising developments.
