No shortage of question marks
The 49ers are banking on a new regime having the answers to correct the team’s major issues
Any team coming off a 2-14 season is bound to have myriad questions entering training camp. Indeed, that’s the case with the 49ers, although coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch impressively have answered whether fresh air will accompany their regime.
Here are the Niners’ nine pressing questions as they report to camp Thursday:
1. How will Solomon Thomas adapt to the defensive line rotation?
Thomas, once signed, will be making his practice debut after missing the offseason program because of Stanford’s academic calendar and the league’s archaic finish-your-classes rule. Because he is penciled in as a defensive end and an interior rusher, the 49ers likely will want him to learn both spots quickly. As the No. 3 overall draft pick, he should contribute ASAP.
2. Can Reuben Foster ‘shoulder’ increased work?
Brian Hoyer replaces NFL outcast Colin Kaepernick at quarterback, and the 49ers offense has been receptive to that switch. Hoyer helped corral fellow quarterbacks and nearly a dozen teammates for passing sessions earlier this month in Dallas, all of which helps timing routes as well as chemistry.
All indications are that Foster will be cleared for contact and be full go come camp, having been limited in the offseason because of rotator cuff surgery. Getting the Alabama star on the field will not only add energy but competition, as he will challenge Malcolm Smith for a starting role next to NaVorro Bowman.
3. Does NaVorro Bowman’s leg look All-Pro ready?
Two years ago, Bowman returned from a devastating knee injury and recaptured All-Pro honors. His road back the past year from an Achilles tear hasn’t been as difficult, and he looked spry in offseason practice. His speed will be tested more in practices and exhibitions.
4. How does a Brian Hoyer-led offense look?
Brian Hoyer replaces NFL outcast Colin Kaepernick at quarterback, and the 49ers offense has been receptive to that switch. Hoyer helped corral fellow quarterbacks and nearly a dozen teammates for passing sessions earlier this month in Dallas, all of which helps timing routes as well as chemistry. Camp offers a final push to smooth out offensive wrinkles.
5. Can Carlos Hyde and Jimmie Ward become stars?
Shanahan said in June minicamp that running backs and safeties can’t truly be judged until training camp and exhibitions. Well, Hyde has more competition in Year 4 (and his contract year), especially from rookies Joe Williams and Matt Breida. Offseason pundits are all over the map on Hyde, some predicting a banner year (possibly) and some questioning if he’ll get cut (unlikely). Ward’s transition to free safety will have major consequences on the defense. Ward and Hyde got drafted in the first two rounds, respectively, in 2014, and both need to pay dividends.
6. Who is the sack specialist?
Arik Armstead is penciled in as the “Leo” pass rusher, and he looked primed a year ago for a big season before aggravating a shoulder injury in camp. If not Armstead, the 49ers’ sack leader likely will emerge from a group including Elvis Dumervil, DeForest Buckner, Aaron Lynch or Ahmad Brooks, the latter of whom is 33 and has the third-most sacks in team history.
7. Cornerback, cornerback, where are you?
The 49ers’ ever-shuffling cornerbacks corps figures to have Rashard Robinson installed as a starter in his second season. Who starts on the other side? Dontae Johnson and Keith Reaser split first-team snaps in spring practices, and Johnson has more size and experience. Don’t count out Will Redmond or thirdround pick Ahkello Witherspoon.
8. Who might surprise at wide receiver?
An overhauled wide receiver corps likely will include newcomers Pierre Garçon, Marquise Goodwin, Trent Taylor and Aldrick Robinson. Aside from Jeremy Kerley, top holdovers who could sneak onto the roster include Bruce Ellington and DeAndre Smelter. Undrafted rookies B.J. Johnson and Kendrick Bourne are intriguing 6-foot-1 targets.
9. Who is gunning for a new contract?
A slew of former Trent Baalke draft picks are entering their final year under contract: Hyde, safety Eric Reid, defensive ends Lynch and Tank Carradine, center Daniel Kilgore, wide receiver Bruce Ellington and cornerbacks Johnson and Reaser. Safeties Ward and Jaquiski Tartt are slated to hit the market in 2019, and they could be extension candidates, too.