Nine takeaways from 49ers OTAs

The San Francisco 49ers opened up practice during their organized team activities and just like previous phases of the off season, the 49ers had no hold outs or unexplained lack of participation. Here are my observations from the session.

1. NaVorro Bowman is a full participant in practice. The linebacker entered the practice field without any extra devices or tape on either leg or foot. He seemed agile and was able to move in all directions. He participated with the ones during team drills.

2. Reuben Foster and participated in individual drills but was held out of any activities that would have involved contact. Eli Harold and Arik Armstead, who sat out during previous phases of the off season were full participants.

3. The line up on the offensive line is fluid. There were several rotations with the first team where the only constant was Joe Staley at left tackle. All other positions saw a rotation. Jeremy Zuttah took the very first reps at center with the ones until he tweaked one of his legs which ended his participation in practice for the day.

Joshua Garnett got some work at left guard. The second year Stanford offensive lineman played at right guard, like he did in 2016 with the first team and then rotated at left guard with the second team. Garnett played LG during his career at Stanford.

4. Kick returns and punt returns during special teams drills were done by WR Victor Bolden, Trent Taylor and B.J. Johnson III.

5. Armstead is looking a little leaner, and Aaron Lynch a little overweight. Armstead’s body composition adjustment may be to help him transition to the LEO linebacker role. Lynch said he’s weighed in at 280 and the team would like him to be between 260-270.

6. The defense had a strong showing. Earl Mitchell and Arik Armstead both had ‘sacks’ during team drills although there was no “live hitting.” Malcolm Smith had tipped ball/PBU, and Lorenzo Jerome stole the one interception for the day. Rashard Robinson, Will Redmond and Don Jones also recorded PBUs.

7. The order of the secondary through the individual sled drills is reflective of the depth chart. Keith Reaser and Rashard Robinson started at corner with the ones.

8. Ahmad Brooks looks pretty lively. The linebacker has been getting credit from the coaching staff.

9. Best run of the day was made by Tim Hightower who took a pitch back from Brian Hoyer for a huge gain.