Stock report from Day 3 of 49ers training camp

The pads came on for the San Francisco 49ers’ third practice of training camp. The added armor offered a much more competitive showing than the defense-dominated Day 1 and 2. Big plays and big hits were the themes of the day in what remained a back-and-forth affair throughout the afternoon.

Here’s our stock report after Day 3 of 49ers training camp:

Stock up: QB Jimmy Garoppolo

Garoppolo made a statement on the first pass of full-team drills. He play faked, then launched a beautiful deep pass nearly 60 yards downfield to receiver Richie James, who caught the ball in stride and sprinted toward the end zone. It was the start of a solid day for the 49ers’ franchise quarterback, completing 8 of 14 passes, including a could of egregious drops. Garoppolo also scrambled for a 15-yard first down in what undoubtedly created some angst among the coaching staff. Shanahan said after practice that he wants Garoppolo to run if given the opportunity, with protecting himself the priority. Day 3 was a strong return to form for Garoppolo and the offense.

Stock down: WR Dante Pettis

Pettis is one of Garoppolo’s favorite targets, but he didn’t do anything to further that chemistry on Monday. The second-year wideout dropped multiple passes on the afternoon, including a perfectly placed deep ball from the 49ers’ franchise quarterback that fell straight through Pettis’ arms. It was one of Garoppolo’s most impressive throws so far. It was an atypically rough day for Pettis, who continues to develop into what many hope will be the 49ers’ leading receiver in 2019.

Stock up: CB Ahkello Witherspoon

It was another strong day for Witherspoon as he competes for the starting spot opposite Richard Sherman. For the second day in a row, the third-year cornerback intercepted a pass, this time in the 1-on-1 portion of practice. Witherspoon darted in front of rookie Jalen Hurd during a comeback route, easily snatching the ball out of the air before tossing it back in Hurd’s direction. Witherspoon has showcased a new level of confidence through three practices and is having one of the most impressive camps of any player so far.

Stock down: G Josh Garnett

Rarely will a player be included on this due to injury, but Garnett is the exception in today’s edition. The fourth-year offensive line and former first-round pick missed practice on Monday after he suffered a dislocated finger on his right hand during Sunday’s practice. It was the second time he dislocated that finger in two days. Garnett was able to pop the finger back in after the first time. Unfortunately, he can little afford any missed action as he competes for a spot on the roster in a contract year.

Stock up: DL Dee Ford

The 49ers traded a 2020 second-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for Ford. The team signed him to a five-year, $85 million contract as part of the trade. It’s safe to say the expectations are high coming off a season consisting of 29 quarterback hits, 13 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. Ford put his ability on display Monday, routinely disrupting Garoppolo’s timing off the edge while matched up against second-year tackle Mike McGlinchey. Ford accounted for one sack and multiple pressures during the team portion of practice.

Stock up: RB Raheem Mostert

The 49ers’ backfield spotlight is largely focused on running backs Tevin Coleman, Matt Breida and Jerick McKinnon. The former is yet to return to full practice since tearing his ACL at the conclusion of last year’s training camp. Often overlooked is Mostert, who showcased his ability as a starter last season before breaking his arm in Week 9. The special teams ace put together a solid showing on Monday. He had multiple runs that broke through to the second level of the defense, adding in a few catches for first downs. Mostert’s ability on special teams gives him an excellent chance at a roster spot, but his ability as a running back is an added bonus to an already impressive backfield.