Golden Nuggets: Phase 3 of the Offseason Program

The 2017 season of NFL football keeps creeping closer and closer. The 49ers began the final phase of the offseason program on Monday under new head coach Kyle Shanahan. Over the next 4 weeks, the team can go through team drills without contact. June 15 concludes the end of the 49ers offseason program.

These programs are especially important this offseason because with a new head coach, the players are fighting for their jobs. There are a lack of surefire starters on this roster. Over half the roster has already been turned over from last season, and Kyle and new GM John Lynch could easily decide to let guys from last season go. These 4 weeks will go a long way to figuring out who will make this team.

The battles for positions will be great to watch. One of the best battles could be at the cornerback spot. While Rashard Robinson is likely a starter, his counterpart could be a number of players. A veteran like Dontae Johnson will battle young players like Will Redmond and Ahkello Witherspoon. Another intense battle will be at tight end. Vance McDonald’s time could be up and rookie George Kittle and rookie free agent Cole Hikutini could help push him out. Logan Paulsen was added to the group that includes Garrett Celek and Blake Bell. Should be fun to see how these battles pan out.

49ers Links

Who will separate themselves? | Pass Rushing (Wagoner)

Advice to Colin (Cohn)

OTAs (Inman)

Final Phase (Maiocco)

Different ends of the sceptrum | Thomas and Taylor (Branch)

Contributors (Martin)

His time is probably coming to an end | Vance McDonald (Neumann)

Slight changes | Changes to the Jersey (Biderman)

Big overhaul coming | TE Overhaul (Biderman)

Position Groups (Fann)

Kyle on RGIII (Wesseling)

The Opener (Biderman)The Opener

Hyde will probably be the starter, but he will be pushed | Backfield Battle (Chapman)