The 2023 49ers OTAs have officially begun. While it has only been two days, this was the first time media had access. Whether it is about the quarterbacks or even questioning the starting kicker, there is a lot to discuss. There are also numerous new players on the team that can be talked about. While the media only had limited access, the San Francisco 49ers came out with important news. Here is a look at some of the day-two notes of the 2023 49ers OTAs.
Day 2, 2023 49ers OTAs
The media has only been at the 2023 49ers OTAs for a day, and there was not too much to see. Due to a press conference following the game, there is a lot to discuss.
49ers QB Trey Lance (5) – Stan Szeto/USA TODAY Sports
The Kickers
Although this may not be the first topic the general fanbase wants to cover, it is still important. Without Robbie Gould, the 49ers have two new kickers. Veteran Zane Gonzalez was acquired in a trade, while Jake Moody was drafted just this year. Robbie Gould spent six seasons with the 49ers, being 100% during the playoffs. This battle is very important for the team as they need to know who can trust the most.
There is not too much to discuss as of now. According to Matt Maiocco on Twitter, the two kickers hit field goals from 33, 38, and 43 yards. Both missed from 48, which means, as of now, the battle is pretty equal. This is one of the parts of practice to continue to watch through the 2023 49ers OTAs and eventually throughout training camp. There is also a new rule in the league regarding kickoffs, which can now potentially impact this battle even more or not at all.
Former Michigan kicker Jake Moody (13) – Kaytie Boomer/MLive.com
The Quarterbacks
Of course, Brock Purdy has not practiced yet. Trey Lance was the quarterback to take first-team reps, which was expected. The team did 11 on 11 and seven on seven work. According to Matt Barrows, during the seven-on-seven, Brandon Allen went six for six. Lance and Sam Darnold were 11 of 15. Overall from the day, Lance completed 12 of 17, Darnold completed 11 of 15, and Allen completed seven of seven.
There have also been a couple of videos posted of Lance’s throwing stance, which does appear to be better than in the past seasons. This is something head coach Kyle Shanahan said he has noticed. It was only the second day, so unfortunately, there was no more to discuss, but it is still better than nothing.
While Purdy did not practice, Shanahan did provide some updates on his rehab process. Shanahan says Purdy will begin throwing next week and that he is “optimistic” that the quarterback will be back by week one. Shanahan did emphasize that the hope is that Purdy can be ready before week one so he is more prepared. The good news, with Purdy able to throw next week, it is technically a week earlier than when he was originally projected to start.
Former Michigan Wolverines WR Ronnie Bell (8) – Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Player Standouts
One of the more notable players on the first day that media had access to the 2023 49ers OTAs was nickleback Isaiah Oliver. Multiple reporters in attendance noted that he had several pass breakups. While it may be an adjustment without Jimmie Ward this season, there are high hopes for Oliver already.
Rookie wide receiver Ronnie Bell was also reported to be doing well in OTAs. Bell caught passes from all three quarterbacks. Some conversations during the offseason among fans were that this might be the last year with both Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. If Bell keeps this up, as this is just practice, the 49ers will be just fine moving forward. During the rookie camp, Bell did state he was ready for Shanahan’s tough coaching style. Shanahan has a reputation for being harder on his receivers, and Bell will be exciting to watch.
Other 2023 49ers OTAs Notes
The players who were not seen were: Deebo Samuel, Nick Bosa, Trent Williams, Javon Hargrave, Ray-Ray McCloud, and Brock Purdy. Fred Warner was in attendance but did not practice. OTAs are not mandatory, and it is important to not look too into why players are not practicing. Many of the true starters did not practice.
The 2023 49ers OTAs have just begun, but there is already a lot of information that was brought up.
