The San Francisco 49ers host the Broncos at Levi’s Stadium for their second preseason game after two joint practices. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan announced that he plans on having the starters play about 20 snaps and then the 2s will take over. C.J. Beathard will then likely lead the 2s through the beginning of the third quarter. A lot of players will be fighting to hold down one of the 53 spots on the roster. Who should you be watching? I have a few ideas.
The obvious
Last weeks stand outs should definitely be on your radar. Rookies Kendrick Bourne, Matt Breida and Joe Williams all had great first outings but obviously they still have a lot to prove. Williams’ stock is on the rise and UDFAs Bourne and Breida are making a case to make the roster.
Austin Calitro
The UDFA from Villanova had a great outing that was overshadowed by attention given to the 49ers first round draft picks Solomon Thomas and Reuben Foster. Calitro, however, was the one who topped the defensive stat sheet registering six solo tackles, 6 combined, one tackle for a loss and one forced fumble. All that in only 25 snaps or 48% of the time the defense was out on the field. He’s definitely one to watch.
K’Waun Williams
Who will play corner opposite Rashard Robinson has been a question on a lot of peoples minds throughout training camp. Dontae Johnson had been taking quite a few snaps with the ones until sustaining a concussion. Williams, a third year free agent from Pittsburgh has been slowly getting more and more attention. He had a nice PBU in joint practices with the Broncos. He only played in 7 snaps in Kansas City but we may see more of him after his productive week in practice.
George Kittle
Kittle was on my must see list last week only to be held out with a hamstring injury. He has gotten more reps in practice and should be ready to go against the Broncos. The rookie quickly started to get reps with the ones in OTAs so it will be intersting to see what he can do in a live game situation.
The rest
There are several other players that are on my radar. Eli Harold had some time with the ones over Ahmad Brooks this week. He’s faster and lighter than he’s been in the past and more productive. Rookie D.J. Jones should get some snaps in after the first team comes out. He has done very well in one-on-ones and has one more week under his belt. Victor Bolden has had a good camp yet didn’t register a catch in Kansas City. It will be interesting to see if his production increases this week.