Media had access to the San Francisco 49ers OTAs once again. It turned out to be a rough day for the San Francisco offense. There were also more team members in attendance on Wednesday, May 31st than in the first week. With ongoing battles for starting jobs, there is still a lot to look for during the off-season training programs. Here is a look at some of the notes from the 49ers OTAs on Wednesday.
49ers OTAs Takeaways
The Quarterbacks
Quarterback Sam Darnold got the first-team reps on Wednesday. This is an open quarterback battle and expect to see Darnold and Trey Lance battle it out as they both get reps with the first team. Brock Purdy was also able to begin throwing this week, and he started doing so on Tuesday. There is not much to discuss there as of yet, but it is still great news for San Francisco.
During the 49ers OTAs, the quarterback numbers were that Sam Darnold completed 10 out of 13 passes. Trey Lance completed six out of 12 passes, and Brandon Allen completed five out of five, according to Jack Hammer on Twitter. As much as Allen will be a part of the competition just like any other player would be, the main push for first-team reps will be between Darnold and Lance.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (5) – Daniel Bartel/USA TODAY Sports
The Kickers
The battle for who will be the team’s starting kicker is ongoing. Last week, various 49ers media reported that both Jake Moody and Zane Gonzalez missed one kick. This week one took the lead. Gonzalez missed from 43 yards, but made them from 33, 38, and 48 yards, according to Matt Maiocco. Moody made it from 33, 38, 43, and 53 yards. This is an improvement for Moody, who did miss an attempt last week.
Brian Schneider, the special teams coach, stated that the team did evaluate 27 kickers who were coming out of college. This will be something to continue to monitor throughout the rest of the 49ers OTAs and throughout the 2023 training camp. Schneider did indicate that Moody would be the starter, but it is still important to push the player.
The Offensive Line
One of the undrafted free agents that were noteworthy heading into the offseason is Joey Fisher. Offensive line coach Chris Foerster stated that Fisher will be a guard in the NFL, not a tackle. This is noteworthy, considering the team’s highest concern among fans is the tackle position. Foerster also confirmed that Spencer Burford is the team’s right guard, and Colton McKivitz is the right tackle, according to David Lombardi. This was already assumed but essentially confirmed by Foerster.
49ers offensive lineman Spencer Burford (74) – Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Jaylon Moore is also still working at the left tackles position, while Nick Zakelj is working at the center position. The hope is for him to battle for the number two job behind Jake Brendel.
Other 49ers OTAs Notes
Many players were in attendance, such as Deebo Samuel and Talanoa Hufanga. Those not in attendance were Nick Bosa, Trent Williams, and Javon Hargrave, according to Jennifer Lee Chan. As usual, the 49ers OTAs are not mandatory, but it is noteworthy that many San Francisco players are returning to practice.
49ers defensive lineman Drake Jackson commented on his improvement in the offseason. He confirmed the weight he has gained, which is 13 pounds, and states that he is still going. Jackson also stated that he feels different and that he definitely feels stronger and that he can move differently. While it still needs to be seen on game day, this is great news to get from Jackson. Defensive line coach, Kris Kocurek has been working with Jackson closely this offseason.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk told the media that rookie safety, Ji’Ayir Brown already has about three or four interceptions this offseason just within the first few days. The safety position is looking strong for San Francisco. Aiyuk also stated that he is about to go off this season and still feels underrated.
Week two of the 49ers OTAs brought a ton of information to the public. The quarterback position will continue to be a discussion, but otherwise, it seems as though the team is gaining clarity in every other position.
