What we learned at day two of 49ers training camp

The 49ers had their last practice before they put on the pads and we saw new players flash and some “repeat offenders.” The practice started with the usual walk through but with a new opening element. There will now be a rookie hype man who will get the crowd hyped up before each practice. Mike McGlinchey had first crack at the job and set the bar extremely high. He ran into the stands and got everyone ready for practice.

Here are a few other things we learned:

The Sophomore Slinger

C.J. Beathard showed what made John Lynch and company bring him to Santa Clara. He threw two incredible passes in a row in the second session of 11-on-11s. The first pass went 40 yards deep down the left sideline to Max McCaffrey who was being covered by Chanceller James and then the next play he threw a dart 20 yards deep to the Kendrick Bourne on the right side of the field with Jimmie Ward in coverage.

The Underated

While Brock Coyle may be underated outside of the building, there is no shortage of confidence for the linebackers who has been standing in for the injured Malcolm Smith. He broke up Jimmy Garoppolo’s pass intended for Marquise Goodwin as he was in the process of catching it. He’s been productive in the run fits as well.

The Franchise

While Kyle Shanahan reported being displeased with the focus of the team at the beginning of practice, Garoppolo did get things going a little later. He completed four passes in a row in the second session of 11-on-11s to four different receivers. Goodwin, Aaron Burbridge, Matt Breida dnd Victor Bolden were all his targets right in a row.

The Rush

While we won’t really know until the pads come on, the pass rush was a little more effective in day two. DeForest Buckner, Cassius Marsh, Jeremiah Attaoouchu and Arik Armstead were all very disruptive on the line, all getting what would have been sacks if they were “hitting” in practice. Hopefully this is sign of good things to come.

The Connection

The pairing between Garoppolo and Goodwin was on display again in day two. The receiver who Ahkello Witherspoon was the most challenging to cover will no doubt be a heavy contributor again in 2018. Goodwin has proven that he’s not just speed, but a precise route runner as well, which makes him very valuable to the offense.

Things get interesting as the third practice will be with pads on.