Golden Nuggets: Actual Football dominates the headlines of the day

Good morning guys and gals, minicamp day two is officially in the books and for the first time in what seems like months, we have actual football talk in the news. Alex Boone and Vernon Davis not showing up have dominated the headlines so far, but hopefully we have smooth sailing from here on out. We've got a lot of great football links today, but my favorite was Patrick Willis learning to play Mike. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Patrick Willis does this year, he has become something of a forgotten man in the Football world and it's weird. His game is definitely a little more subtle than when he first broke into the league, but anyone that watches All-22 could tell you he has been just as dominant. People are so convinced he is overrated he is actually in danger of becoming one of the most underrated players in the league which is a tragedy for a player of his quality.

The other day Greg Roman spoke on possibly opening up the offense and the 49ers moves and overall offseason focus have led me to that conclusion for a while now. From Free Agency onwards, they were constantly looking at adding a third WR and in my opinion, you don't go out and trade for Stevie Johnson and make him ride the bench behind Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree. Roman talked about opening the offense, and that's a step in the right direction, but its still two or three steps from consistently rotating players on the progressive coaching scale. I would expect more three wide sets, (hopefully) way less jumbo packages, and less of Vance McDonald. To the links!

Greg Roman on a "different" 49ers offense in 2014, Carlos Hyde’s learning curve, Vance McDonald, and much, much more (Kawakami)

Minicamp Day 2 notes: Interceptions, pass rush lead defensive dominance; rookies Ellington, Hyde fare well (Inman)

Poll results: Holdouts biggest camp story (ESPN)

QB guru not named among coaches who work with Kap (Maiocco)

Will 49ers keep more than two QBs on 53-man roster? (Maiocco)

Jim Harbaugh Likes Blaine Gabbert, Greg Roman Loves Depth (49ers)

Davis, Boone still boycotting camp; Harbaugh wants media to stop badgering him about absences (Inman)

DT Carradine looking healthy as he fills in for his childhood idol, Justin Smith (Inman)

With Eric Wright gone and Jimmie Ward sidelined, Fangio notes: ‘We do have to find a nickel back’ (Inman)

49ers, Ravens to face each other five times this summer (Barrows)

Anquan Boldin, practice makes perfect leader (Inman)

49ers' Willis knows 'jack' ... and he's learning 'mike,' too (Maiocco)