When it comes to training camp battles, they’re not all necessarily between starters. Teams, especially the San Francisco 49ers, need to find out what their depth looks like at positions like tackle, guard, wide receiver, running back, and I’d argue just about every spot on defense.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said one battle he’s looking forward to watching is left guard, and that one’s between the starters. For now, Ben Bartch is the leader in the clubhouse. However, that’s given Nick Zakelj more reps
to prove that he belongs:
“Yeah, definitely, one that we’re excited to see. Bartch got his opportunity last year, played real good versus Buffalo and he was one of the guys I was excited to evaluate those last three games of the year but he got hurt on the third play of the game the next week so we really didn’t get a chance to do that. Then he hurt his quad squatting when they were away, so really excited to get him back out there today. It’s given Zakelj a lot more reps, which has been good for him, but I’m excited to watch those two go at it.”
Shanahan was asked about another backup, and a player who has had several different roles during his time with the 49ers. According to Shanahan, Patrick Taylor Jr. could end up winning the RB2 job:
“Yeah, I mean he’s got just as good of a shot as anyone to back up Christian. I thought he did a good job with us last year. Forget how he started out, whether it was practice squad or on the team, I forget. But he ended up getting better throughout the year. He was very valuable on special teams. Came in there at the end of the year and ran the ball well for us, and I think he’s only gotten better this offseason.”
Taylor Jr. is competing with Isaac Guerendo, Jordan James, Corey Kiner, and the newly signed Ameer Abdullah. James is being re-evaluated after having “knee issues.” Kiner is an undrafted free agent, and Abdullah is more of a camp body.
So, Taylor Jr.’s real competition is the second-year back Guerendo, who is far more explosive than Taylor Jr., but that doesn’t mean he’s the best-case scenario for a backup to Christian McCaffrey.
Taylor Jr., 6’2, 217 pounds, would likely have the upper hand in pass protection, perhaps as a short-yardage back, or simply knowing where to go and how to execute. Consistency is the way Taylor Jr. would win the job.
Early on in camp, Taylor Jr. has earned reps with the first team. He’s rotated with Guerendo when McCaffrey comes out.
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