Golden Nuggets: Day 2 of OTAs

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2018 edition of the Golden Nuggets, a daily compilation of San Francisco 49ers links from the Internet

By Billy Kerr@bkerr725 May 23, 2018, 2:00am PDT

NFL: NFC Championship-Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles

Day 2 of OTAs is in the books. One of the early storylines being reported out of the 1st couple of days is the pass catching abilities of new running back Jerick McKinnon. When the 49ers signed Jerick, they were looking for him to be an explosive playmaker in both the rushing and passing game. He seems very comfortable catching out of the backfield and Kyle Shanahan will hope he can replicate what he had in Atlanta with Devonta Freeman. Last season, Carlos Hyde never looked comfortable catching passes and that is one of the reasons the team pushed hard for McKinnon. Jerick gives Jimmy Garoppolo an outlet and with Jerick’s playmaking ability, a short pass could spell danger for opposing defenses.

New corner Richard Sherman has embraced his role as a veteran and mentor for the young 49ers secondary. He will not start practicing until training camp, but that has not stopped him from coaching his guys from the sidelines. Richard has been one of the best corners since he’s been in the league and if he can help players like Ahkello Witherspoon develop their skills, that could make the 49ers defense that much more improved.

Lastly, as expected, 1st round pick Mike McGlinchey is taking all the starting right tackle reps so far. With the team using the #9 pick on him to protect Jimmy Garoppolo, they expect him to start right away. Right guard was mostly occupied by Joshua Garnett the 1st 2 days. He has time to prove himself to the coaching staff because his main competition, Jonathan Cooper, will not practice until training camp. Joshua missed all of last season and needs to have a great training camp to earn his spot on this 49ers roster.

49ers links

His return helps with the uncertainty surrounding Reuben Foster | Malcolm’s return (Wagoner)

Not too sure that is accurate | Bay Area looking for another SB (Florio)

Bringing back a uniform from the past (Biderman)

So many good options | This season’s breakout players (Martin)

Building the chemistry | The vet and the rook attend a Warriors game together (Martin)

OTAs (Fann)

Big reason the team got him | Jerrick McKinnon in the passing game (Barrows)

Week 1 (Cohn)

Kyle on Reuben’s court case (Branch)

Kyle and Reuben stay in contact during the week (Maiocco)

Good things that happened | Observations from practice (Inman)