The San Francisco 49ers had perfect attendance (no, not Brandon Aiyuk) at OTAs, which led Kyle Shanahan to cancel mandatory minicamp. Given the 49ers’ injury issues lately, this move is fine and not unprecedented, as Shanahan canceled minicamp in 2021. Despite any conspiracy theory about Aiyuk concocted by Commanders fans, health is important before training camp begins.
What are the three biggest question marks for the 49ers before training camp begins?
The safety position
The two safety spots have
been debated all offseason following the seasons turned in by Malik Mustapha and Ji’Ayir Brown in 2025. The 49ers didn’t address the position in the draft or with an obvious veteran who would demand playing time. Ashtyn Davis has recently signed, but can be viewed as a veteran safety net. For now, it appears Mustapha and Brown will get the first crack under Raheem Morris as the first-year defensive coordinator.
Both players have been drafted by the organization and are hoping one, if not both, will have the light turned on in their heads and take over the two spots. Pressure up front should be much better, and Fred Warner’s return will improve communication on the back end, but it’s up to the two players to seize the moment.
Who will be the 4th member of the “Turbo” package?
Nick Bosa, Osa Odighizuwa, Mykel Williams, and….
Obvious passing downs will get an upgrade with the return of Bosa and the addition of Odighizuwa. Williams will return and kick inside, but who will take over as the fourth piece? Romello Height? Keion White? Someone else? A veteran addition? With how low the 49ers’ pressure numbers were last season, Morris and the defensive line will have to drive the defense and get stops to get off the field.
The first two weeks of 2025 offered a glimpse of how the 49ers’ defensive line has to be the closer.
Which 49ers wide receiver keeps themselves on the roster?
Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling, and Demarcus Robinson appear to be locks for the gameday roster in 2026. Unless the 49ers move on from Robinson, which would be a surprise given the 49ers’ commitment to veterans they can trust, it only leaves one spot on the gameday roster. Is it Jordan Watkins or Jacob Cowing?
Watkins and Cowing are draft choices by the 49ers, and so far Cowing has a leg up with his OTAs performance and ability to field punts. Could Watkins find himself off the roster after one season? Unless there is an injury during training camp, it appears there is only one spot open for the two players. Watkins being let go after a season is a clear indication of an admitted draft miss. As of now, I’d bet Cowing makes the roster unless injuries get in his way.
