NFL teams need to have depth and that means your rookie 7th-round pick needs to be the franchise guy! Okay, I'm kidding obviously, but you need rookies and second-year players to be able to contribute in case of injuries. 5 Players to watch list for preseason game 1 are here.
Ronnie Bell
I did say 7th round picks need to be the franchise guy! He can become the franchise punt and kick returner! Ronnie Bell should get a good amount of punt and kick returns during the preseason and he gets the first opportunity to win the job and make the roster while Ray-Ray McCloud is out with a broken wrist. I also want to see Ronnie Bell as a receiver. He is crafty with his route running and isn't afraid to go over the middle. Ronnie Bell can make a STRONG case to be the 6th receiver on the roster. Make it hard on the coaching staff, Ronnie!
Trey Lance
Couldn't miss the opportunity to talk about the player the 49ers drafted to be the franchise guy and gave 4 starts to impress them. Now with new mechanics, he's getting the start over Sam Darnold who most thought was the backup quarterback. Those people were wrong, for now. Lance has gotten more reps and has looked much better than Darnold throughout training camp. Trey Lance can show he's the "Real Deal" for another team or Kyle Shanahan. Big opportunity for Lance, he needs to capitalize on the opportunities he gets.
Danny Gray
Can he showcase his speed and become an impact player for the 49ers offense? Gray has had a good camp. I am looking to see him show off his speed and improved route running. I would like to see him return a few kicks or punts, he's a smaller player but would love to see his speed be on display. Putting the ball in his hands as many times as you can should be something the 49ers should try to do during the preseason. His speed can change the game.
Brayden Willis
I have more excitement for the second tight end the 49ers drafted this year. He is a better route runner and is a good enough blocker. Would like to see him use his route running and receiving skills to make this roster. The 49ers need a reliable TE2 in the passing game, and that is not Cameron Latu at the moment who can't catch passes. Brayden Willis can show Shanhan he's better and should get more reps with the second-team offense for the remainder of the preseason.
Ji'Ayir Brown
Has had a solid camp, hasn't stood out, or has been a player that has had a bad camp. Now game day he can showcase his physicality. I think Brown can be a player that makes a big impact in Year 1. He can push to be a player that rotates with Talanoa Hufanga and Tashaun Gipson, but mainly show up in special teams. Would love to see Brown get tested a few times deep, he didn't run a great 40-yard dash but his IQ and play speed allow him to cover a lot of ground. Excited to watch the future starting safety.
I won't just have my eyes on these players. Expectations are not high for a preseason game. I want to see who stands out more than watching specific players, but these 5 are guys I'll keep my eye on a bit more.
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