Four 49ers Position Battles Still Ongoing at Training Camp

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most talented rosters in the league. It's chock-full of veterans and impact players, and the team has high expectations for the upcoming 2026 season.

As a result, we have a good idea who will fill most of the spots on the roster. There are a few interesting position battles going on, though, such as at left guard and free safety.

Today, let's talk about four of the ongoing battles and identify those participating.

WR3: Christian Kirk, De'Zhaun Stribling

The wide receiver room is an interesting one to watch. A month ago, it was assumed that Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall would be the top two options and it would be a solid room.

As we all know, though, Pearsall suffered a season-ending injury, and the team responded by reuniting with Deebo Samuel. Samuel has looked like the same reliable player this summer and should be in line for a big role next to Evans.

That means Christian Kirk and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling are fighting for the WR3 spot. Kirk has also been dealing with an injury this summer, which doesn't help his chances. The veteran also hasn't even had 400 yards in a season since 2023.

Stribling, meanwhile, has been one of the stars of camp. The rookie looks fast and agile, and it won't be surprising if he forces his way onto the field.

Left Guard: Connor Colby, Robert Jones, Carver Willis

The left guard spot is the only spot on the 49ers' line that isn't already decided. Colby is a second-year player, Jones is a veteran who has delivered mixed results, and Willis is a rookie.

So far, it seems like Colby is the clear favorite. The second-year guard has taken some steps forward and has been the most consistent of the trio. There's still a month until the regular season, though, so anything could happen.

Last Defensive Tackle Spot: Bryson Eason, Sebastian Valdez, James Thompson Jr.

We know who the two starting defensive tackles will be: Alfred Collins and Osa Odighizuwa. Rookie Gracen Halton and second-year C.J. West should be the primary backups. Behind that duo, there are three interesting players competing for a spot.

Undrafted free agents Bryson Eason and James Thompson Jr. have both impressed this summer. Eason, in particular, is interesting due to his experience playing in the SEC and his versatility to line up at different spots.

Sebastian Valdez is also interesting as he's entering his second year with the team. The Washington product has shown flashes of his own, but it'll be tough to beat out Eason.

Free Safety: Malik Mustapha, Marques Sigle, Ashtyn Davis

We know that Ji'Ayir Brown is starting at one strong safety. Brown has easily been the most impressive safety this summer, and the team needs someone to step up beside him.

Malik Mustapha was the favorite, but he's been dealing with an injury this summer. As a result, Marques Sigle and Ashtyn Davis have gotten opportunities to earn the starting spot. Both have started games in the past while delivering mixed results overall.

If Mustapha gets healthy, he's the favorite to start. It's also possible the team could look outside for an answer. A recent trade proposal had the 49ers landing Jessie Bates II, which would definitely be a nice upgrade.