The San Francisco 49ers held limited OTA practices this spring, but a handful of rookies still managed to catch the eye of coaches and reporters before the offseason program wrapped.
The Athletic’s Matt Barrows identified three players who looked great in the limited time reporters were allowed to observe. Two were ones many have expected in wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling and running back Kaelon Black, while two third late-round players could be surprise breakout rookies from the class.
Per Barrows, fifth-round linebacker Jaden Dugger drew attention after lining up at strongside linebacker when veteran Luke Gifford suffered a concussion early in OTAs.
I don’t know if Dugger ultimately lands that job this season. After all, he’s a fifth-round pick who spent just one college season as an off-the-ball linebacker. Still, he has traits — length, size, smarts — that translate well to the position, and he has the backing of new linebackers coach K.J. Wright.
The most likely option for Dugger is as a backup behind Fred Warner and Dre’ Greenlaw. He’ll be battling with Tatum Bethune and Nick Martin for a role in the defense.
Stribling and Black also have been mainstays in the 49ers’ conversation since they were drafted, and that continued in Barrows’ assessment. He also noted that coaches came away impressed by cornerback Ephesians Prysock, the team’s fourth-round pick.
There are several positional battles to watch down the depth chart with the 49ers. And with that, some rookies could stake their claim to some big roles.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers insider pinpoints 4 rookies who flashed at OTAs
Reporting by Oliver G., Niners Wire / Niners Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Oliver G., Niners Wire | USA TODAY Network
