The new look 49ers hit the road for their first preseason game of 2017, facing off against the Kansas City Chiefs at 6 p.m. on Friday evening. Here are three position battles and three players to watch in the first game of the Kyle Shanahan era.
Position battles
Backup QB: Matt Barkley vs. C.J. Beathard
It appeared the 49ers had their quarterback depth for 2017 set when they signed Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley during the free agency period. But while Hoyer has clearly established himself as the Week 1 starter, the stellar play of 3rd round pick C.J. Beathard has created an open competition for the No. 2 spot, something Shanahan said on KNBR this week. While Barkley entered OTAs as the favorite to win the spot, his shaky play combined with Beathard’s impressive deep ball throwing have put the two neck and neck heading into the 49ers’ first preseason game. Expect the two to get an equal amount of snaps. A break out performance by either on Friday could go a long way to deciding who will be on the active roster when the regular season starts.
WILL Linebacker: Reuben Foster vs. Ray-Ray Armstrong
With presumptive starter Malcolm Smith now out for the season, rookie Reuben Foster found himself slotted into a starting spot on team’s unofficial depth chart earlier this week, a testament to his excellent play in training camp thus far. But the 49ers have another talented player fighting for first team snaps in Ray-Ray Armstrong, who was one of the few bright spots on the 49ers’ defense last season before sustaining a season ending pectoral injury in late September. Armstrong looked like a starting caliber NFL linebacker before his season was cut short and has reportedly picked up right where he left off in training camp. Foster may be the favorite at this point to win what has become a spot of solid depth for the 49ers, but don’t be surprised if it’s Armstrong who turns heads on Friday.
Cornerback: Johnson vs. Reaser vs. Witherspoon vs. Williams
While linebacker is one of the 49ers’ strongest positions, cornerback may be their weakest, especially after the release of presumed starter Tremaine Brock following a domestic violence incident. Brock’s release pushed second-year Rashard Robinson to the first spot on the depth chart, and the inconsistent Dontae Johnson as the starter alongside him. Johnson hasn’t looked great in training camp, and has been a mostly below average player since being drafted in 2014.
Johnson sustained a concussion in practice on Wednesday and is questionable for Friday’s game, meaning Keith Reaser, who has also looked like a below average NFL corner since being drafted in 2014, may start the game. While Johnson is currently tabbed to win this spot, impressive play from Reaser, rookie Ahkello Witherspoon or recent signing K’Wuan Williams could go a long way, especially if Johnson continues to struggle. Consider this spot on the depth chart wide open.
Players to watch
Defensive lineman Solomon Thomas
Thomas started behind the eight ball in training camp due to an antiquated rule at Stanford that did not allow him to participate in OTAs. Expect the second-overall pick to see a ton of action on Friday, and lineup in multiple spots on the defensive line. Thomas’ versatility is one of his greatest strengths, and where he looks most comfortable on Friday may give Kyle Shanahan and Co. a better idea as to where he will ultimately fit in on the 49ers’ stacked defensive line.
Running back Matt Breida
While rookie Joe Williams was the subject of most of the buzz entering training camp, it’s been Breida who has turned heads since day one, with our Senior Writer Kevin Jones calling Breida the best rookie on the field early in training camp. While Williams is almost certain to get a roster spot, Breida is likely fighting to be the fourth and final running back on the 53-man roster. If the season were to start today, the spot would likely be his, but if he can show that his performances in training camp can be replicated against preseason competition, San Francisco may have their running back rotation set well before Week 1.
Wide receiver Victor Bolden Jr.
Another rookie fighting for a final spot on the depth chart, the speedy Bolden Jr has outplayed DeAndre Smelter and Aaron Burbridge, two players who have been in Niners camp over the past few years. Standing at just 5-foot-9, Bolden Jr. was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon State, and has a skill set similar to that of Marquise Goodwin, as a downfield threat with impressive leaping ability. Bolden Jr. was also an excellent kick returner in college. If he can prove to be productive in both areas, he will make himself that much harder to cut.