The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their third set of OTAs on Thursday, and it was open to the media. Jennifer Chan was on hand, and will have a full report in the morning. In the meantime, I'm back to run through the various beat writer recaps from practice. You can click on all of them down below.
Rashard Robinson showing some things
The 49ers rookie cornerback is impressing some of the beat writers. Chris Biderman tweeted that Robinson is among the most impressive rookies thus far. Grant Cohn's recap said he got work on both sides of the field, and gave up no catches. Cohn said he's seen Robinson give up one catch in the three open practices. We need to see what happens when it's pads and full contact, but this is very encouraging.
Offensive line depth chart
Brandon Thomas took part in individual drills, but did not join in team drills. Andrew Tiller took over at right guard, with Zane Beadles over at left guard. Alex Balducci was at center the first two open practices, but was playing right guard today. CFL import Colin Kelly got work at center with the third string unit.
According to Chris Biderman, Trent Brown was away from today's OTA, attending a family member's graduation. The 49ers two fifth round picks, Fahn Cooper and John Theus split up time out there. Biderman and Cohn were both impressed with Cooper.
Cornerbacks
Jimmie Ward remains one of the two starters with Tramaine Brock. Where it gets interesting is the nickel back. Chris Davis has been getting work as the slot corner with the first team nickel defense. Dontae Johnson got some first team nickel work in the first week of OTAs, but Davis appears to be getting a decent amount of that work. He's low on the radar for a lot of 49ers fans, but obviously the team is intrigued.
ILB rotation continues
Reports suggested Michael Wilhoite got the first team ILB work next to NaVorro Bowman. Matt Barrows reported both Wilhoite and Gerald Hodges got work at ILB. This situation remains in flux until we get to training camp. My guess is we see the rotation continue into preseason play.
Interesting defensive drill
Full contact is not allowed during OTAs, so it is hard to simulate actual tackling. The defensive staff put together a drill in which they rolled large plastic balls at players to simulate wrapping up ball carriers. Here's some video from Ryan Sakamoto:
#49ers front 7 working on form tackling... #SpotSakamoto #NinerFans #ForeverFaithful pic.twitter.com/7J6SlRiZB4
— Ryan Sakamoto (@SakamotoRyan) June 2, 2016
Injury report
- Dontae Johnson injured his leg late in practice. He limped off the field with some assistance
- Chris Davis got "trampled" on a run play, and had to leave the field, according to Cohn
- Brandon Thomas took part in individual drills, but not team drills
- DeAndre Smelter spent the team drills riding a stationary bike
- Ahmad Brooks is still working primarily in the rehab process
Practice reports
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