The 1st day of minicamp started Tuesday. Anquan Boldin and Alex Boone, who skipped OTAs, made their 1st appearance at practice. The 2 areas I am most interested to see during minicamp are the at the running back and receiver positions.
First report from the running back position is that Kendall Hunter is looking strong coming back from injury. It's been a couple of seasons since we have seen Hunter running healthy and he was always a productive runner when he was. He provided an extra dimension in the running attack with Gore and I think he will be highly productive in spells for Carlos Hyde. Talking about Hyde, reports have him dropping passes uncharacteristically. Not really a worry, but definitely an area he will need to add to his skill set. Reggie Bush showed quickness in his appearances. He will be expected to provide an outlet for Kap in the passing game more than as a rusher. All these players will have opportunities and there is a lot of talent in the backfield, which will help make up for the departure of Frank Gore.
In the receiver position, the deep ball should be fun to watch during these practices. Torrey Smith brings a legitimate deep threat and matches with Kap's known ability to throw deep. Patton should have a good shot to show what he can do. And we already know what Boldin brings to this team. But more than that, the unknown receivers brought in will be interesting to see. There are roster spots available and the receiver position has been a weak spot the last few seasons for the Niners. Can one of these rookies make the team and be a contributor to the offense?
49ers Links
Minicamp Started Tuesday (Biderman)
Another very interesting problem. Who to put there? | Right Tackle Battle To Begin (Williams)
NFC West Report (Emerick)
Offensive Line Shuffle (Gin)
Pears Gives First Try At RT (Barrows)
Good to see all the players there | "Full House" Minicamp (Inman)
New mechanics and new weapons | Kap And New Look Aerial Attack (Fann)
Downfield Weapons (49ers Video)
Kap's #1 Fan (49ers Video)
With new mechanics, let's see what he can do | Kap On New Offense (Inman)
Tomsula On Social Media (Inman)
Tomsula Will Not Be Using Social Media (Barrows)
49ers Notebook (Price)
Good to see him back and practicing | Boone On The O-Line (49ers Video)
Dockett Has No Regrets (Inman)
Boone Reports (Emerick)
Hayne Still Needs To Improve (49ers Video)
Offseason Snaps And Starts (Branch)
A favorite to retire. Has a couple known concussions. Doesn't seem like he'll be around much longer | Reid Considered Retirement (Branch)
To Go Deep (Barrows)
Boone May Move To RT (Wagaman)
Even with all the departures, the defense has talent all over the place | Dockett: Talented Defense (49ers Video)
Marcus Martin In Top Shape (49ers Video)
What a great experience for the child | Make-A-Wish Kid Attends 49ers Practice (Wagaman)
Dawson On New PAT Rule (49ers Video)
Minicamp Report (Inman)
Practice Notes (Barrows)
Kap Taking A Vocal Lead (Wagaman)
20 Observations From Day 1 (Emerick)
Hayne Seeing Progress (Fann)
Who Will Retire Next? (BASG)