Could this be the final season for one “difference maker” on the San Francisco 49ers? Even though he’s limited offensively?

The 49ers signed former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud with the intention of bolstering this area of S.F. — the return game. But even with his skillset in returning kicks and punts, analyst Kyle Posey of SB Nation on Friday, June 23 wrote how it may become difficult for the Niners to keep him in 2024.

“There’s no denying that McCloud proved to be a difference-maker on special teams. That should continue in ‘23. But a bigger output on offense may be difficult to come by for a few different reasons,” Posey wrote.

However, the 49ers analyst added what McCloud can do to prevent himself from drifting away from the Niners once he hits the free agent market.

How McCloud Can Extend Stay in the Bay

It’s a crowded wide receiver room as 49er fans know. Deebo Samuel has a new, refreshed approach for 2023, Brandon Aiyuk is coming off a career-best season, even 2022 third rounder Danny Gray has a chance to elevate his snaps from a year ago.

But how can McCloud prove he’s more than returns?

“McCloud scored one touchdown on 21 targets a season ago. He’d have to up that number,” Posey wrote. “Kyle Shanahan constantly mentions his wide receivers being able to contribute in multiple ways. McCloud is a bit limited due to his stature, so he must impress, almost in an exaggerated fashion, to stick around.”

Posey then pointed out the deep post pattern against the Atlanta Falcons for a would-be touchdown. That was also the game that saw this highlight worthy punt return.

“If McCloud wants another contract from the 49ers, those are the types of receptions he’ll have to haul in,” Posey wrote. “To be fair, McCloud also had a 35-yard return against Atlanta. A splash play every couple of games should be enough to entice the 49ers into giving McCloud another contract.”

McCloud’s Current Deal & What it Entails

The 5-foot-9, 195-pound McCloud is officially in the final year of the two-year deal he signed in the 2022 offseason.

But, his cap number sits at $2.09 million according to Spotrac.

“If, for whatever reason, the Niners felt the need to release McCloud, he’d cost $875,000 in dead money, but the team would end up saving $1.21 million,” Posey wrote. “The only portion of his contract that was guaranteed was paid out in 2022.”

Furthermore, the 49ers are already facing the inevitability of moving on from one of their core wide receivers in 2024.

“Based on their recent investments, the 49ers are planning for life without one of their core wideouts next year. McCloud played 461 snaps last year, with 296 of those coming on offense. There wasn’t a game where Ray-Ray saw the field for more than 30 snaps. That speaks to his role and how the offensive staff feels about him,” Posey said.

The biggest key, though, will be if the second-year pro Gray can emerge. Gray could end up as the true fourth WR option as Jauan Jennings is currently the third. That could mean McCloud being the eventual odd man out, unless he puts together a career-best receiving season in ’23.

The San Francisco 49ers will face many tough decisions when it comes to cutting down the roster, including the potential choice to cut a veteran wide receiver. Every NFL team wants to have a built-out roster, but it means releasing players that would likely be contributing for other teams.

One such name is Chris Conley. Conley has just signed this offseason after previous stints with the Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars. The veteran wide receiver brings experience and reliability, but he is also on a close-to-minimum contract and facing an uphill battle for a roster spot.

While Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and Ray-Ray McCloud III appear like locks for the first four WR spots, the fifth and potentially sixth spots will be a free-for-all between Conley and a large group. Here are the rest of the 49ers wide receivers that Conley will be competing with:

• Isaiah Winstead
• Willie Snead IV
• Dazz Newsome
• Tay Martin
• Danny Gray
• Ronnie Bell

Seven players fighting for (potentially) two spots is a difficult position to be in, but Conley does have the advantage of hopping around several NFL rosters and making their final 53-man squads.

Conley Looking to Impact 49ers WR Group

Conley is entering his 10th season in the NFL after entering the league with the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft. Conley spent four seasons with Kansas City before eventually taking a bigger role with the Jaguars.

Conley had the best campaign of his career in Jacksonville in 2019 as he brought down 47 receptions for 775 receiving yards and five touchdowns according to Pro Football Reference.

However, the years since have been a steady decline in production and importance to his respective teams. He only started four games for the Jaguars in 2020 before being released the following offseason, leading to his only full season with the Texans.

In 2022, Houston released Conley after two appearances and no registered stats, leading to a brief stint with the Titans. He only caught four passes in 7 games, amassing 46 receiving yards.

Conley is getting another chance with the 49ers, but San Francisco may already be committed elsewhere. Danny Gray was a third-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft and then drafted Ronnie Bell in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft.

The 30-year-old can certainly outperform those two and others to make a spot, but San Francisco may believe in investing for the long term when it comes to final roster spots. Either way, the clock is ticking for Conley to make an impression with the 49ers.

Deebo Samuel Not Happy with 2022 Season

While Conley faces a potential release, the 49ers’ No. 1 receiver is looking to put 2022 behind him. Deebo has been one of the most dynamic players in the NFL over the past few years, but 2022 was not the year he wanted.

Samuel regressed in almost every statistical category last season, as Heavy’s Lorenzo Reyna detailed. The former South Carolina star explained that he felt out of routine and that he never really got back in the swing of things.

“Oh, it was awful,” Samuel said. “Every aspect… I was kind of behind a ball a little bit as far as being in my routine that I’ll normally be in for the offseason, getting ready to play because like I said, a lot of distractions were going on. I kind of felt it, but I was just trying to will my way to help the team in every aspect possible.”

864 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns is solid for most of the NFL’s pass-catchers, but Samuel had more than double those numbers in 2021.

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, but tight end George Kittle is naming “the problem” that comes with that. That being said, this problem isn’t a bad thing depending on who you ask.

In the Kyle Shanahan era, the 49ers have built a team that is a perennial contender for the NFC West and the playoffs. The defense is one of the league’s best, but the offense includes a special group of weapons despite having an uncertain situation at quarterback.

Kittle explained in a recent article on San Francisco’s website what it’s like to share attention with WRs like Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. For the veteran TE, his personal numbers aren’t important.

“As long as we’re winning games and we’re feeding the right guys the ball – I’m never going to get mad if Christian McCaffrey has 20 carries and 10 catches for 300 total yards, I’ll never be upset about that because he’s such a talented football player. It’s really fun to be on a team that does have a problem of too many mouths to feed, because coach Shanahan does such a great job of scheming everybody into getting certain plays and it’s just really fun to be a part of an offense that has so much talent on it.”

Kittle Earned 4th Pro Bowl Honor in 2022

It’s been three seasons since Kittle’s last campaign with over 1,000 receiving yards, but the tight end is still clearly one of the NFL’s top tight ends despite sharing attention with several other talents on the 49ers roster.

In 2022, Kittle was more of a touchdown threat than he’s ever been for the San Francisco offense. For the first time in his NFL career, the 29-year-old reached 10-plus touchdowns with 11 scores last season.

Pro Football Reference shows that his yards per game was the lowest it has been since his rookie year, but that’s a testament to his comments about splitting time. Shanahan has a “burden of riches” to navigate on the Cowboys’ offense, and Kittle being utilized as a red zone specialist is the best way to maximize his value.

Shanahan Predicted to Chase Kirk Cousins in 2024

As mentioned above, the 49ers have a conundrum at quarterback with Brock Purdy, Trey Lance and Sam Darnold all in the mix. While Purdy is the frontrunner to start in 2023, the 49ers aren’t at a solid point in terms of the future of the team’s quarterback.

Accordingly, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio believes that the 49ers and Los Angeles Rams could pursue Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins in 2024 when the veteran QB becomes a free agent.

“I think you’re going to see — unless the Vikings re-sign him by then, and they can’t use the franchise tag on him, the way his contract is structured — you’re going to see a potential tug of war between Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay for Kirk Cousins next March,” Florio said on the Rich Eisen Show. “Mark that down.”

It’s hard to say that Cousins wouldn’t be an upgrade at QB, even with Purdy’s impressive rookie stretch. Landing a higher-end NFL QB may be the final step the 49ers need to take to make a Super Bowl return.

The summer represents an opportunity for change, even when it comes to numbers in the NFL. And Deommodore Lenoir of the San Francisco 49ers has taken advantage of the opportunity, by changing his number.

While Lenoir had been wearing No. 2 instead of his original No. 38 during both voluntary practices and minicamps, he took to his Instagram account on Thursday, June 22 to officially reveal the new gameday red No. 2 in the Bay Area:

This all but assures someone else will wear the No. 38 in 2023.

Lenoir Revealed Reason for Change in Number With 49ers Insider

“The hyena” Lenoir broke out late wearing two digits on his chest and back during the postseason, including leading the team in interceptions during the January games.

Lenoir, though, told Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area on June 12 why he was wearing a different number. Long story short, Lenoir is tracing back to his very first number.

“I’ve always been a single-digit guy,” Lenoir said. “In Pop Warner, I wore No. 2, so that’s why when they told me it was open, I said, ‘Alright, I’ll take No. 2.'”

Lenoir became a youth football standout near L.A. before embarking on a decorated prep football career at Bishop Mora Salesian High in L.A., where he also played alongside another future NFL defensive back and specialist names Keisean Nixon. Lenoir, though, wore No. 9 at Salesian.

But still, he damaged countless of defenses, offenses and special teams units as one of the more versatile weapons in the CIF Southern Section. Lenoir, in the process, received more than 35 different scholarship offers before ultimately settling for Oregon and the Ducks’ 2017 class.

There was even an opportunity for Lenoir to take No. 4, which was vacated by Emmanuel Moseley as he signed with the Detroit Lions. Lenoir, however, chose to respect that number.

“I’ve never worn four before,” Lenoir said to Chan. “I just got a lot of respect for him so I didn’t want to get his number. He and [George] Kittle were the first ones to text me when I got drafted, so I’m not going to touch his number, I can’t. He gave me the warm welcome and helped me a lot.”

Lenoir Has History of Number Switches

Lenoir has now changed his number multiple times dating back to his youth days. For fans of Pac-12 football or college football, they likely recall Lenoir wearing multiple numbers.

He began wearing No. 15 in Eugene. During that time, he immediately inserted himself into the Ducks defense his freshman season and played in all 13 games — being one shy of 300 total defensive snaps. He showed early flashes for the Ducks with 25 total tackles, five pass breakups and one interception.

In 2018, he elevated his interception number from one to three — while still wearing 15. All of his takeaways came in conference play. The 2019 season, also his final year of wearing double digits, was Lenoir’s first All-Conference season as he earned second team honors.

But before the 2020 season, Lenoir made the decision to wear No. 0. There was a profound meaning behind the number during racial tensions across America that year. Lenoir’s message in choosing the number was that he was signifying that he has zero tolerance for racism. He also took advantage of taking that number as the NCAA approved players wearing that digit for that season.

Now, fittingly, the projected No. 2 CB next to Charvarius Ward is wearing No. 2 for the 49ers. He also takes over the number Jason Verrett had when he was a 49er.

The San Francisco 49ers are yet to be officially settled at quarterback with 2023 training camp one month away. One insider, though, is already looking ahead to the 2024 battle — which he believes will involve a $35 million passer and multiple Pro Bowler.

Mike Florio of NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk went on The Rich Eisen Show Thursday, June 22 with this bold declaration, even using the words “mark that down:” Florio sees the 49ers and head coach Kyle Shanahan making a run at Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings. Florio adds that he’s envisioning one other division rival making a run for Cousins.

“I think you’re going to see — unless the Vikings re-sign him by then, and they can’t use the franchise tag on him, the way his contract is structured — you’re going to see a potential tug of war between Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay for Kirk Cousins next March,” Florio told Eisen. “Mark that down.”

Cousins’ Future Remains in Question With the Vikes

Already, the Vikings have cleaned house following their NFC North title run. And it’s come in June.

Four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook was released June 9 in a salary cap move. Cook’s name has since surfaced as a possibility for former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh with his team, the New York Jets. Pro Bowl defensive lineman Danielle Hunter is another who has heard chatter that he’ll be on the move via a late trade.

Meanwhile, Cousins is facing his own murky future with Minnesota. His current deal expires after the season and will become free to walk via free agency in 2024. He’s set to make $10 million with his base salary in 2023 per Spotrac.

Cousins does have a connection with Shanahan. Not only was the 49ers head coach born in Minneapolis, but Shanahan was the Washington offensive coordinator in 2012 and 2013 when Cousins was in his first two seasons in the league. Cousins, during that time, combined for eight touchdown passes and 10 interceptions while going 1-3 as a starter according to Pro Football Reference.

Additionally, it’s also become well known that Shanahan has been interested in Cousins before in a 49ers uniform, which dates back to 2017 when Shanahan first took the head coaching reins in the Bay Area. NFL insider Albert Breer detailed Shanahan’s past interest in Cousins in this February 2018 column in Sports Illustrated.

Then in March 2020, ESPN NFL reporter Dianna Russini further dove into Shanahan’s reported fascination with adding Cousins in his QB room.

Florio Addresses 49ers QB Room in 2023

Another reason for the bold Cousins prediction: the 49ers are facing future changes in the QB room anyway.

Though the team signed Sam Darnold to $4.5 million, the third overall pick of the 2018 draft is only on a one-year deal. However, Florio believes the 49ers have taken a liking to the former New York Jet and Carolina Panther.

“I think they really like Sam Darnold,” Florio explained. “When they started putting out the word, and it was Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area who said that Sam Darnold may be the most talented thrower of the football the 49ers have ever had, and people lost their minds. And it’s like, well, he didn’t make that up.”

Florio even believes that Darnold, not Brock Purdy, will be the eventual starter as Purdy continues to heal from his ulnar collateral ligament surgery on his throwing elbow.

The San Francisco 49ers are beyond set in the backfield with a full state of Christian McCaffrey on the horizon, plus intriguing second-year players Jordan Mason and Ty Davis-Price providing depth. So it’s more than likely that free agent Dalvin Cook isn’t being the subject of “homework” being done by general manager John Lynch and company.

However, someone with past ties to the 49ers is part of an evaluation process for the available former $63 million running back according to one ESPN insider.

During her appearance on NFL Live on Wednesday, June 21, Dianna Russini revealed the New York Jets are “doing their homework” on the unrestricted free agent who was released by the Minnesota Vikings June 9 (h/t Heavy on Jets reporter Paul “Boy Green” Esden).

That means former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is being briefed on the possibility of adding the four-time Pro Bowler to the Jets.

Another ESPN Insider Believes Cook & Saleh Could Become a Pairing

Russini isn’t the only one who mentioned Cook’s name with Saleh’s team.

Fellow insider Adam Schefter went on his podcast to additionally endorse Cook to Saleh and the Jets, then explained why the multiple 1,000-yard rusher makes sense.

“I’ll tell you a team that makes sense in my opinion, just my opinion, that makes sense for Dalvin Cook moving forward, that would be the Jets,” Schefter said. “They have Breece Hall coming off a torn ACL. I don’t know if he’s going to be full go as the season gets underway. But, their schedule is unforgiving.

“They open the season against the Bills on Monday night. They [then] play the Dallas Cowboys, the New England Patriots, the Kansas City Chiefs, the [Denver] Broncos then the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s a murderous start to the season for the Jets. They’re going to need help for the running game,” Schefter continued. “Wouldn’t a guy like Dalvin Cook make some sense?”

It’s already been an aggressive offseason for the Jets, who fell apart down the stretch following a 7-4 start and lost their last six games. They addressed quarterback by orchestrating a pre-draft trade of 10-time Pro Bowler Aaron Rodgers. Saleh and the Jets additionally fired former 49ers passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach Mike LaFleur as offensive coordinator…then replaced him with an old friend of Rodgers’ in Ex-Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett.

If Saleh were to add Cook, the running back would get another former 49er at the forefront in Laken Tomlinson — who would serve as one of his primary road clearers. And adding Cook would certainly increase Saleh’s chances of making his first playoffs as a head coach.

Where Does the 49ers Ground Game Rank?

Back to the Bay Area, do the Niners boast the league’s deepest, and best, running attack ahead of 2023? Pro Football Focus believes so.

Written by PFF’s Gordon McGuiness, he and the national analytics website placed the 49ers as the No. 1 running game for the upcoming season.

“Christian McCaffrey was everything the 49ers could have hoped for, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and forcing 30 missed tackles on 199 rushing attempts in the regular season and playoffs after his midseason trade from the Carolina Panthers,” McGuiness wrote. “His 91.9 PFF receiving grade in that span was the best in the entire NFL, too.”

But it’s not just “Run CMC” who makes this unit the preseason No. 1.

“Then you have Elijah Mitchell as depth, who has produced 75.0-plus PFF rushing grades in each of the past two seasons when healthy,” McGuinness said.

Nick Bosa already holds down the important title — as he’s the first lion that gets uncaged and goes into an attack mode on quarterbacks for the 49ers defense. Teams, including the 49ers, have seen what the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is capable of when he’s unleashed. But someone else has to feast opposite of him…especially in moments where Bosa is down or needs a breather.

And that’s where Heavy senior NFL reporter Matt Lombardo on Wednesday, June 21 called one of Bosa’s newest teammates the fourth-most “critically important” backup ahead of the 2023 season: the newest $2.5 million signing Clelin Ferrell.

Why Ferrell Earns ‘Critically Important’ Title

Lombardo dove into the reasons why it’s the same man who came from Bosa’s 2019 draft class who holds the title of top backup for the Niners…and one of the more important ones with the season officially less than three months away.

“Few positions are as tangibly meaningful to the outcome of games, outside of quarterback, than pass-rusher. The San Francisco 49ers are anchored by one of the most dominant offensive lines in the league, headlined by defending Defensive Player of The Year, Nick Bosa,” Lombardo wrote. “Ferrell arrives in the Bay Area following one of the more productive seasons of his career, logging a pair of sacks, but also adding 23 quarterback pressures, as a rotational rusher along the Raiders’ defensive line.”

Ferrell is walking into a deep rotation in the edge rush room. But still, Lombardo believes the former fourth overall pick must step up and embrace his potential future role of swapping with Bosa.

“San Francisco is historically deep up front, but Ferrell would need to play at a high level if Bosa or Drake Jackson wind up missing time,” Lombardo said.

Can Ferrell Find Redemption in the Bay Area?

For what it’s worth, Ferrell never lived up to his billing as a top-five pick with the Las Vegas Raiders. While it didn’t help that he endured multiple defensive coordinator changes as well as a head coaching change, Ferrell still underperformed by first-round draft pick standards.

Lucky for him, he doesn’t need to pressure himself to hit double-digit sacks or lead the team in tackles for a loss at his new post. San Francisco has a rotation of guys who get their turn to feast on quarterbacks. Ferrell, by showing a strong work ethic plus a willingness to allow defensive line coach Kris Kocurek to coach him up, is capable of thriving when called upon.

What helps Kocurek with Ferrell is that he’s worked with long-armed defenders before and turned them into impact players in the Niners’ rotation. Arden Key and Charles Omenihu are the latest examples. Both used their length and Kocurek’s coaching to put together new career-high numbers in either sacks, tackles for a loss or total tackles. And, with the latter off to the Kansas City Chiefs, Ferrell gets the opportunity to become the long-armed defender in the trenches.

However, Ferrell’s best suit as of now is run-stuffing — proven by the fact he hasn’t surpassed five sacks in a season. The 49ers, particularly new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, could turn to him more on run downs including third and short situations. Omenihu additionally came in handy there but so did Jordan Willis in using length and a push to win the trench battle.

Kocurek and the 49ers have had a streak going in turning little-known or underachieving DLs and turning them into impact defenders on the 49ers. Now, Ferrell gets his shot…in a “critically important” role on the 49ers.

The San Francisco 49ers have one of the strongest rosters in the NFL, but there are still areas the team could improve through a trade. Furthering the depth at defensive end is one of those spots, and that’s where disgruntled Washington Commanders star Chase Young comes in.

San Francisco was recently named a potential suitor for Young by CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, with the analyst stating that the 49ers may be tempted by both the immediate and long-term upside for Young.

As Heavy’s Lorenzo Reyna recently covered, Young was teammates with 49ers pass rusher Nick Bosa while the two defensive ends were at Ohio State. Reuniting the two could level up the 49ers pass rush, which is already one of the better units in the NFL.

In order to make a deal work, San Francisco would need to trade picks or players. Considering the 49ers’ roster quality, dealing out a wide receiver like Jauan Jennings may be more sensible than giving up the limited drift capital the team possesses.

Jennings has become a solid role player, but isn’t going to breakout as long as Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle are the top three passing targets. The Commanders have two solid receivers in Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin, but could use a target like Jennings in the mix.

Young Struggles with Commanders

Coming out of Ohio State, it felt inevitable that Young would become a national NFL star. At 6’5″ and 264 pounds, Young has elite size and athleticism while putting up 17.5 sacks in his final season with the Buckeyes.

But Young’s NFL career has been far more lackluster than most would’ve expect. After a solid rookie year with 7.5 sacks and four forced fumbles, Young has played just 12 games over the last two seasons and has just 1.5 sacks in that span according to Pro Football Reference.

His absence was due to an ACL tear, which is the major red flag for the 49ers in terms of making a move. Young had just three games after recovering during 2022 to get back in the groove and it did not happen.

It’s a reason to be wary of a move, but Young’s potential is such that it could be worth the gamble.

Jennings Finds Feet with 49ers

After his college career at Tennessee, Jennings joined San Francisco in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL draft. Injury forced Jennings to miss his rookie season, but he recovered in a big way over the past two years.

While he’s not in a starring role, Jennings has established himself as a reliable, big target that provides something different from Aiyuk and the rest of the 49ers’ receivers. PFR shows that he has six touchdowns on 59 catches, essentially averaging a touchdown per 10 receptions as one of San Francisco’s red zone targets.

Jennings is useful, but the 49ers are not in a position where they absolutely need him. Considering he’s entering the last year of his rookie deal (like Young,) it could be a good time to cash out.

The San Francisco 49ers have become one less a player in one of their deepest position groups on the field at linebacker for the time being.

Via the NFL’s transaction wire on Tuesday, June 20, the 49ers requested an injury waiver for rookie Mariano Sori-Marin, who signed with the team as an undrafted rookie free agent following the 2023 NFL Draft.

It is not known the type of injury Sori-Marin has that persuaded the 49ers into this decision. By rule, teams have until Wednesday, 1 p.m. Pacific Time to claim a player who was waived.

‘Decisive’ Helped Describe the Big 10 Linebacker’s Game

While the 6-foot-2, 236-pound Sori-Marin was considered an unknown on the 49ers defense, the franchise brought in what Pro Football Focus’s Brad Spielberger helped describe as a leader and film guru during his University of Minnesota days.

“Throw on the tape of Minnesota Golden Gophers linebacker Mariano Sori-Marin, and you see one of the more decisive middle linebackers in college football,” Speilberger wrote back on April 21 before the draft.

Sori-Marin, who’s of Cuban descent, established himself as the Gophers’ top tackling machine with a team-high 88 stops. He also led the way with six tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Speilberger lauded Sori-Marin’s ability to play as an “off-ball” ‘backer.

“At a position like off-ball linebacker, which comes with a steep learning curve and as many mental challenges as physical, it’s natural to see players second-guessing. But that doesn’t bog Sori-Marin down,” Speilberger wrote in his evaluation. “In fact, he welcomed the responsibility of getting everyone lined up in the right spot on a Minnesota defense that finished the 2022 season ranked tied for third in the FBS in points allowed per game (14.2) and 11th in expected points added (EPA) allowed per play (-0.181).”

Speilberger pointed out that Sori-Marin became a film junkie during his youth football days. He included how the Big 10 linebacker’s 4.62 speed in the 40-yard dash landed him in the 71st percentile among off-ball linebackers in PFF’s database.

Sori-Marin additionally had a strong endorser in his head coach P.J. Fleck.

“One thing that makes Mariano Mariano is that he’s a throwback football player,” Fleck told the Big 10 Network back on October 17, 2022 while also describing him as an old school player in the mold of former Miami Dolphins All-Pro Zach Thomas.

Fleck included with Sori-Marin “plays faster and more physical than probably any player I’ve ever coached.”

Sori-Marin ended his career with 274 total tackles including 14.5 behind the line of scrimmage. Sori-Marin, though, will now await his newest NFL fate following the 49ers’ decision.

49ers Unit are ‘Easy Choice’ for top National Ranking

Even without the UDFA Sori-Marin, the 49ers boast the “easy choice” for the top spot by PFF as the national analytics website unveiled the league’s best LB units on Tuesday ahead of the 2023 season.

“The easy choice for the top spot, San Francisco fielded the highest-graded linebacker group in the NFL last season. They finished second in the NFL in run-defense grade (90.7) and led the NFL with an outstanding 88.5 coverage grade,” PFF’s Dalton Wasserman wrote. “The 49ers boast two legitimate stars in Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. Warner is the NFL’s most consistent coverage linebacker and posted a career-high 89.7 run-defense grade this past season, too. Greenlaw had a career year in 2022, earning a 79.6 overall grade bolstered by a nearly 20-point jump in coverage grade.”

Wasserman believes this unit also won’t skip a beat even with the departure of one other pivotal presence.

“The group lost situational run defender Azeez Al-Shaair in free agency, but Oren Burks seems poised to take over that role,” Wasserman said. “The 49ers have the best pair of linebackers in football and the depth to fill in if one of them were to suffer a short-term injury. They are the current gold standard at the position.”

The San Francisco 49ers have, arguably, one of the more dangerous and deepest wide receiving units ahead of the 2023 season.

There’s a big emphasis on the deep part for veteran wide receiver Jauan Jennings, as he faces renewed competition ahead of his contract year.

Jennings — who was once on a $3.4 million deal but resigned for a lesser one-year, $940,000 deal that officially expires after the season — will be walking into a 49ers receiving room with the following: fast riser Brandon Aiyuk, a newly focused 2021 All-Pro Deebo Samuel, plus 2022 third rounder Danny Gray is in the building with the intent on getting more snaps this coming season. Which means he’s coming for Jennings’ slot wideout spot he’s held in his Niners career.

Rohan Chakravarthi of 49ers Webzone, though, believes the veteran entering his contract year will eventually hold off the SMU Mustang.

“Many have pointed at second-year wide receiver Danny Gray, a third-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, as a successor for Jennings following another offseason under his belt, but I anticipate Jennings retaining his role, given the unique ability he provides for the 49ers in the slot, as well as the offense San Francisco intends to run,” Chakravarthi wrote on Monday, June 19.

Jennings’ Value on the 49ers

Jennings is obviously not the biggest household name on the 49ers. His jersey isn’t considered a top seller and he’s also not even considered the No. 3 receiving option on the Niners — as the top three options are usually reserved for Aiyuk, Samuel, All-Pro tight end George Kittle and the fourth likely to be running back Christian McCaffrey — who has his own background prowess as a wideout.

Even Chakravarthi believes that Jennings won’t be a focal point when the 49ers go to the air.

“Given the number of weapons that San Francisco has, as well as a full offseason for Christian McCaffrey to get even more involved, I just don’t see an increased opportunity for Jennings in 2023,” Chakravarthi said. “Although he should thrive in the supplementary role he’s given.”

That role involves clearing running space for this zone read attack head coach Kyle Shanahan likes to hit defenses with. But his size has come in handy inside the opposing 20-yard line especially on high concentration grabs like this one:

But he’s also showed the same level of concentration with an oncoming defender closing in, as seen here during the wildcard round:

With his 6-foot-3 frame, Jennings has been a reliable option on tight window throws for the 49ers:

Is There Still Concerns Over Jennings Being Diminished?

Still, this a 49ers WR room that could potentially limit the catches or touches on Jennings’ end. He also has one big area of concern.

“The wideout still has drop concerns,” Chakravarthi stated. He added: “his lack of high-end speed limits the number of downfield opportunities, leaving Jennings with the same situation he had entering 2022. Additionally, Deebo Samuel is looking for a bounce-back year, while Brandon Aiyuk is aiming for another 1,000-yard season ahead of a major contract extension.”

The latter wideout could be what puts Jennings in another major bind with potentially returning to the Niners. Aiyuk put together a career-best season and now, just may have given himself additional years after his rookie deal is officially up (Aiyuk’s fifth-year option was picked up by the 49ers during the offseason).

Chakravarthi, though, doesn’t believe that Jennings will lose his current role as the slot on the 49ers.

“Nonetheless, Jennings should be a key component of the 49ers’ formula in 2023, especially in the run game, ahead of his restricted free-agent year in 2024,” he said.

It’ll be a pivotal 2023 regardless for Jennings, as he’ll attempt to make himself appealing for whoever adds the towering blocking and possession target down the road, including the Niners if they opt to keep him as long as they can.

While the San Francisco 49ers are solidified at cornerback through Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir with 2023 training camp a month away, depth at the position remains a glaring question mark.

Hence the strong belief a veteran presence could still be needed at one of the stronger position groups on the 49ers — with the opportunity to make the spot an even greater strength by adding one more layer. And former Dallas Cowboys starter Anthony Brown, once paid $15 million as a starting cornerback, presents that strong veteran boost for depth reasons in the Bay Area.

Why Brown Presents a Strong Potential Fit for the 49ers

To reiterate, this is in the name of depth and potentially providing an additional veteran layer for a team thinking about a run to the Super Bowl.

The 49ers lost key depth through Emmanuel Moseley, who signed a $6 million deal with the Detroit Lions. Moseley was a reliable coverage presence, who didn’t allow a touchdown his side in the 2021 and 2022 seasons when on the field before his ACL tear in the latter campaign. Former starter Jason Verrett is a free agent and coming off back-to-back ACL tears, and he’s unlikely to return to the Niners.

Meanwhile, third-year cornerback Ambry Thomas has gone from early starter to facing a make-or-break season — as fellow ’21 pick Lenoir has emerged as a strong CB2 candidate following his breakout playoff performance including against Brown’s former team.

But in circling back to Brown, the Cowboys all but assured that they’ve moved on from the past starter with team writer Nick Eatman revealing on Friday, June 16 that Brown’s No. 3 has gone to wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Still, there’s the belief Brown can be a valuable pickup for defenses needing CB and veteran help, with Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport pitching Brown to teams.

“Two years ago, Brown was a 16-game starter for the Cowboys. He topped 70 total tackles, intercepted three passes and even scored a touchdown. Brown allowed just 65 of 122 passes thrown in his direction to be completed in 2021 and posted a passer rating against of 78.4,” Davenport wrote. “For the record, that passer rating against is lower than Trevon Diggs’ was last year. And Darius Slay of the Eagles. Brown’s numbers weren’t quite as good in 2022, but he was still a solid NFL starter.”

‘Unwise to Bet Against’ Brown, NFL Analyst Says

The downside for Brown is that he’s in a near identical situation that Moseley and Verrett have faced: returning from ACL tears, as Brown’s was in December 2022. Hence why teams may not be as assertive in trying to lure him in.

Brown, additionally, began to walk inside a more crowded Cowboys CB room — one that now features past NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore while also boasting Pro Bowler Trevon Diggs and surprise 2022 ballhawk DaRon Bland.

However, this online video surfaced of him looking like he’s regaining the speed and change-of-direction that turned him into a starter:

Davenport adds that Brown isn’t one to be underestimated.

“Brown is no stranger to adversity — he was a seventh-round pick who rose from obscurity to a starting role,” Davenport said. “And given that resilience, it’s unwise to bet against him making it all the back from the Achilles injury.”

While Brown may have lost his ground in starting for Dallas, he could still come in as a cheaper option for defenses needing depth — especially the Niners post Moseley and Verrett. While the 49ers did draft Darrell Luter Jr. and have seen flashes from Qwuantrezz Knight, S.F. has lately gone with a veteran as the third or fourth CB a la Diontae Johnson and Verrett when he was healthy. Should the 49ers consider going the veteran route if they choose to add to the CB room, Brown is now the best choice for it.

Javon Hargrave isn’t just coming in to improve the interior pass rush for a loaded San Francisco 49ers defense. One analyst predicts Hargrave’s arrival will increase the chances for one defender to finally earn his All-Pro nod.

The former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle gives outside linebacker Dre Greenlaw his best shot of finally earning All-Pro status, wrote Heavy NFL senior reporter Matt Lombardo on Thursday, June 15 in predicting who will earn their first All-Pro selection by season’s end.

“A strong case can be made that each member of the 49ers’ front-seven could wind up an All-Pro, but Greenlaw should benefit more than most from Javon Hargrave’s arrival,” Lombardo said. “Last season Greenlaw had 127 tackles and was just a brick wall against the run. Expect that to continue in 2023.”

‘Gravedigger’ Raised Level of Play of LB Teammates

Hargrave’s signing signaled that the 49ers weren’t complacent with their defensive production last season — even after producing the No. 1 ranked unit, the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in Nick Bosa and tallying 44 sacks.

But again, Hargrave isn’t just labeled as someone who can provide needed inside pressure as quarterbacks drop back to pass. His presence has proven to be a linebacker’s best friend as well. The 2022 Eagles linebacker crew are prime examples of witnessing their guys elevate their production with “Gravedigger” digging up room for them.

Inside linebacker T.J. Edwards was one who became a beneficiary of having Hargrave in front of him. Edwards’ tackle production increased each season from 2020 to 2022 the moment the Eagles inserted Hargrave into their trenches. And that includes Edwards’ career-best 159 total tackles, 99 solo stops and 10 tackles behind the line of scrimmage last season. With Hargrave, former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon would trust the Pro Bowl DT to create an opening for Edwards to help disrupt the play as seen below.

Even in their first season together, Hargrave (then No. 93) began to create an opening for Edwards to shoot through then destroy:

Outside of Edwards, converted linebacker Kyzir White was another who reaped the benefits of “Gravedigger.” White delivered his second 100-tackle season in his first campaign as an Eagle. With Hargrave’s penetration, the hybrid linebacker/safety White was given more open field to work with in chasing down ball carriers.

But none was impacted more from the “Gravedigger” than outside linebacker Hasson Reddick. With Hargrave often drawing double teams, Reddick took advantage in wrecking QBs to the tune of 16 sacks, a career-high for him. Gannon became convinced to call edge rush stunts with Reddick and Hargrave aligned together — with Hargrave opening the door of disruption for Reddick:

How Hargrave Will Raise Greenlaw’s Level of Play

Given Hargrave’s rare history of making linebackers better, signs now point to Greenlaw bettering his 2022 totals with Hargrave placed in front of him.

Last season, Greenlaw delivered personal bests of 127 total tackles, 82 solo stops and two forced fumbles. And Greenlaw accomplished all three with the 49ers not having a true interior defensive lineman for all 17 regular season games.

While Greenlaw hit Pro Bowl-like marks, he and the 49er ‘backers ended up seeing a rotation of Javon Kinlaw, Kevin Givens, T.Y. McGill and then natural defensive ends Jordan Willis, Charles Omenihu and Arik Armstead sliding inside…which still caused some instability inside for the defensive trenches.

Hargrave is capable of giving Greenlaw and company someone who can be a three-down DT for the 49ers and not need to rotate out. And as Lombardo writes, Hargrave is capable of being the man who gets Greenlaw emblazoned with the All-Pro label finally.

One of the best free agent additions of the 2022 offseason belonged to the San Francisco 49ers. But it ended without a Pro Bowl appearance.

Now, Heavy senior reporter Matt Lombardo believes the “criminally underrated” Charvarius Ward is out for this title: All-Pro, a first for his career.

Lombardo wrote down Ward’s name on Thursday, June 15 in predicting the NFL’s next first time All-Pros at each position — a list that included NFC champion quarterback Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Lombardo, though, believes this is the year the Super Bowl winner with the Kansas City Chiefs finally gets the breakout season he’s been due for.

“The San Francisco 49ers boast one of the most talented defenses in the league, and the best defensive back on the roster might be Charvarius Ward, who is criminally underrated outside the Bay Area,” Lombardo wrote.

Ward Showed Reasons Why the 49ers Lured Him in

When the 49ers signed Ward in March 2022, a then-talented 49ers defense was still missing a true CB1 to challenge and eliminate the opponent’s top wide receiving option.

Emmanuel Moseley was establishing himself as a potential No. 1 CB but missed late action with a high ankle sprain. The Niners also had Jason Verrett on injured reserve with a torn ACL and two corners considered raw at the time in 2021 rookies Ambry Thomas and Deommodore Lenoir.

And in a division that featured Super Bowl 56 Most Valuable Player Cooper Kupp, the Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl duo of Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf plus had De’Andre Hopkins with the Arizona Cardinals at the time, the Ward signing was a no-brainer for S.F.

Ward became just that for the 49ers — a true lockdown cornerback who became one of the cornerstones of the NFL’s top defense.

“Opposing quarterbacks managed only an 88.2 passer rating when targeting Ward last season, and receivers had little room to operate, averaging just 11 yards per catch,” Lombardo wrote.

Reasons Why This Could be the Year Ward Becomes All-Pro

Again, Ward became one of the closet top free agent signings of the 2022 season.

Ward ended up producing new career-highs: His 11 pass deflections were one more than his previous best in 2019 and 2021 with the Chiefs. He also produced career-bests across the tackles category from total stops (87), solo tackles (59) and tackles for a loss (three). And, per Pro Football Reference, Ward only allowed a completion percentage of 56.8% to opposing quarterbacks. Lastly, in 16 of his 19 games including playoffs, Ward surrendered less than 50 yards his side.

Of course, it helped Ward greatly that a fierce and deep pass rush led by the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa parlayed into his stellar ’22 season. But with a distinguished defensive back mind in Steve Wilks now on board and Ward returning to this 49ers defense, signs point to an even better 2023 for the corner entering season two with the Niners.

“Given the combination of the 49ers’ ferocious front-seven and Ward’s prowess in man coverage, the stage could be set for the 27-year-old to have a career year in 2023,” Lombardo said.

This is the time of year for dark horse early Most Valuable Player candidates in the NFL, and the San Francisco 49ers have a representative listed by radio personality and nfl.com analyst Adam Schein on Wednesday, June 14.

But it’s not Brock Purdy. Nor is it Trey Lance. It’s also not even Christian McCaffrey as he enters his first full regular season slate with the Niners. Schein has Sam Darnold, the current projected No. 3 QB for S.F., as his dark horse MVP pick from the Niners.

Why Schein Believes Darnold is the Candidate

For starters, Schein wrote how he’s not fully convinced that Purdy is completely healthy from his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) surgery — ruling him out of his personal MVP race.

“I know we’re hearing a lot of good news around Brock Purdy’s rehab process, and that’s great. But the guy underwent elbow surgery on his throwing arm a few months ago, so until I see it, I have trouble just accepting that everything is hunky-dory and the former seventh-round selection will pick up right where he left off last January,” Schein wrote.

While Schein made no mention of Lance, it’s still worth noting that Lance is also making his comeback from his broken ankle he sustained in Week 2 of the 2022 regular season. Lance has recently been seen throwing the football around with members of the first team during 49rs minicamp.

But still, Schein is on board with believing Darnold will emerge as QB1 for the 49ers — and end his season in the running for MVP for the first time in his career.

“With Darnold in the starting lineup, I firmly believe Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers can win 11-to-13 games and be bona fide Super Bowl contenders. I touched on this a couple weeks ago, and I’m not kidding. So let’s ride!” Schein said.

Not the First Time Schein Made a Big & Bold Darnold Prediction

In tracing back to May 31 before minicamps across the league, Schein back then became a staunch believer in the former No. 3 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. Despite enduring a career that’s seen the injuries mount plus losing his starting position with the New York Jets then briefly the Carolina Panthers, Schein liked the situation Darnold was walking into.

So much so, that he gave this No. 1 bold prediction involving Darnold — he’s the one who guides the 49ers to a Super Bowl victory over the first team that took him in, the Jets.

“The 49ers are the best roster in the NFL, 2-53. They just need to find that No. 1. Who’s poised to man the game’s most important position for San Francisco? Well, Brock Purdy is currently recovering from major elbow surgery, while Trey Lance is still struggling with the forward pass. So, in the moment, that leaves Sam Darnold as ‘The Guy.’ And I see that as a golden opportunity,” Schein wrote.

Schein includes how he always loved Darnold’s abilities at quarterback but felt he was dealt “a raw hand” at his previous stops and how “I always wanted to see what Darnold could do with better support.”

Darnold is now in a room with high Super Bowl expectations but an abundance of talent surrounding him. Having Kyle Shanahan in his corner is another reason why Schein is high on Darnold.

“I think Darnold has a real chance to take this opportunity and run with it. Therefore, there’s a realistic chance I ultimately pick the Niners to win the whole damn thing with my official predictions in September,” Schein said.

The NFL All-Pro list is the definitive measure of a player’s stature as the elite of the elite at his position, and the honor that garners the most respect when it comes to defining legacies.

Early summer is a time when hope springs eternal for NFL teams, and players, alike, as minicamps wind down and the grind of training camp and the upcoming season await with much optimism and promise. It’s also the perfect time to project out which players will shine the brightest in the fall.

Projecting which players will wind up as a First-Team All-Pro can be a daunting task, but easy all at once, by simply placing the name of the best player at his position the prior season into your projected list for the next one.

But, in order to make things a bit more interesting, to shine the spotlight a little brighter on some of the stars of the game that are knocking on the doorstep of reaching “elite’ status, we opted instead to make the list of players most likely to become a First-Team All-Pro selection for the first time.

Here are our selections:

QB: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Hurts very nearly stole the MVP and a first-team All-Pro slot from Patrick Mahomes last season, but the stage seems set for the 24-year-old to make another significant stride in his development. Given that this will be Hurts’ second season throwing to dynamic receiver A.J. Brown, as well as DeVonta Smith’s third NFL season (when receivers typically begin to peak), all of the pieces are in place for Hurts to take his game and the Eagles’ outlook to new heights.

RB: Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

Chubb was a Second-Team All-Pro in 2022, and he’s one of the most feared backs in the game. The combination of the Browns‘ run-based scheme, an offensive line that can make a strong claim as one of the two best in the league, and Chubb’s ferocious running style give the 27-year-old a great chance to make the varsity squad in 2023.

RB: Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Running back might be the easiest position to make the leap to first-team All-Pro as a rookie. Especially when a rookie running back can expect the kind of workload Robinson can in Atlanta, combined with his explosiveness as a runner and versatility as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. If Robinson’s 104 forced missed tackles and 1,o71 yards after contact from last season at the University of Texas translate to the NFL, look out.

WR: A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

Not only was A.J. Brown a touchdown-maker, catching a career-high 11 in his first season in Philadelphia, he was a monster averaging 6.4 Yards After the Catch per Reception. If that was Brown’s introduction to the Eagles‘ offense, imagine how much more prolific he’ll be in a second season as Hurts’ favorite target.

WR: Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Chase was a second-team All-Pro selection in 2021, but each year the dynamic receiver’s chemistry seems to strengthen with quarterback Joe Burrow. Injuries limited Chase to just 12 games last season, yet he still produced 1,046 receiving yards with nine touchdowns. Given that Chase averaged 4.8 Yards after The Catch per Reception, just imagine how productive he’ll be if he can stay on the field for the entire 2023 campaign.

WR: Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins

One might think that the addition of a speedster like Tyreek Hill on the other side might limit the production of a player like Waddle, but that’s not exactly how 2022 played out. Sure, Waddle only caught 75 passes (down from 104 in 2022), but his yards per catch average nearly doubled to an eye-popping 18.1. Waddle’s speed gives him the ability to take the top off a defense. Playing opposite Hill creates space. Don’t be surprised if Waddle finds a way to build on last season’s 1,356-yard and 8-touchdown outburst.

TE: T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings

Hockenson was an absolute revelation to the Vikings‘ offense, after arriving in a midseason trade. The 25-year-old caught 60 passes for 519 yards with 3 touchdowns during the final 10 games of the season. With Justin Jefferson flying down the perimeter, expect there to be plenty of room for Hockenson to operate underneath, and plenty of check down targets from Kirk Cousins for him to rack up yards and touchdowns this season.

LT: Andrew Thomas, New York Giants

Andrew Thomas is one of the ascending stars along the offensive line, and the trajectory of his career has been ticking upward the past two seasons, in a big way. A Second-Team All-Pro selection in 2022, Thomas only allowed three sacks and continued to emerge as a stalwart along the Giants’ offensive line.

RT: Kaleb McGary, Atlanta Falcons

McGary is a dominant presence along the line of scrimmage, and one of the Falcons’ building blocks on offense. Last season, McGary was Pro Football Focus’ No. 3 highest-rated offensive tackle, with an 86.6 overall grade. The addition of Robinson in the backfield will give McGary even more opportunities to showcase his ability as a lead-blocker in the running game, where he posted the highest run-blocking grade of anyone not named Trent Williams, at 91.6.

LG: Joe Thuney, Kansas City Chiefs

Joe Thuney has been a stalwart of consistency throughout his career, and he has elevated his game to new heights since arriving in Kansas City in 2021. Last season, Thuney was instrumental in keeping Mahomes upright, allowing only one sack and 15 total pressures. That kind of consistency up front makes it easy for a freelancer like Mahomes to create big-play opportunities.

RG: Teven Jenkins, Chicago Bears

Teven Jenkins is a road grader up front in the running game, a tactician in pass protection, and one of the anchors of the Chicago Bears‘ offensive line. Last season, Jenkins only allowed 2.0 sacks and 12 quarterback pressures. He’s already on the cusp of breaking through as an All-Pro, and if the Bears’ offense makes major strides, this could be his season to crack the list.

C: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs

Creed Humphrey is the most consistently dominant young center in this league. Full stop. Humphrey is a complete mauler as a run-blocker, producing an elite 91.1 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, and a stonewall in pass protection, where he didn’t allow a single sack last season, with just one surrendered through the first two seasons of his career. Maybe more impressive than the fact that Humphrey allowed just 21, quarterback hits is that he was flagged for only 4 penalties in 1,138 snaps in 2022. Humphrey is an ascending talent and perhaps next in line to be a permanent All-Pro fixture.

EDGE: Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders

There are few pass-rushers who strike as much fear in opposing offensive tackles as Maxx Crosby does when he’s flying off the edge. It is almost unfair that a player has that much burst and that much speed, flying off the corner. Beyond freakish athleticism, Crosby’s productivity speaks for itself; 15.0 sacks, 81 total pressures, 4 forced fumbles, and 70 tackles in 2022 as the centerpiece of the Raiders‘ defense. Given the exotic blitz packages defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is accustomed to drawing up, don’t be surprised if even those numbers from Crosby take a big jump in 2023.

EDGE: Montez Sweat, Washington Commanders

Montez Swat is borderline unblockable off the edge, where he produced 8.0 sacks and 63 total pressures as the centerpiece of the Commanders’ front-seven in 2022. What makes Sweat special is that he’s one of the more dominant run-stopping edge players in the game, on top of being a game-wrecker when rushing the passer. Sweat is one of the more complete players at his position, and if he continues his upward trajectory, could find himself on All-Pro lists this season.

DL: D.J. Reader, Cincinnati Bengals

Injuries limited D.J. Reader’s production last season, he missed six games due to a knee injury while finishing with 27 tackles and 1.0 sack, but don’t let those numbers fool you into thinking this isn’t one of the top players at his position. Reader is a matchup nightmare, a dominant interior pass-rusher, and as steady as they come against the run. If Reader can stay on the field all season, 2023 could be the year he solidifies his place among the elite of the position.

DL: Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants

Few humans walking the earth can move with the speed and burst that Dexter Lawrence shows on each snap, at a mammoth 6-foot-4 and 342 pounds. Not only does Lawrence take up boatloads of space against the run, but his 9.0 sacks and 63 total pressures are absolute game-wreckers up the middle for opposing quarterbacks. Lawrence was a Second-Team All-Pro selection in 2022, and playing another season in coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale’s scheme should create even more opportunities for Lawrence to destroy things up the middle. If he does, well, etch his name on the First-Team list this season.

LB: Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears

Edmunds arrives in Chicago coming off the most dominant season of his prolific career. Once again surpassing 100 total tackles, Edmunds produced a team-high 101, while holding opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of just 87.1. All that, only to leave Buffalo without a contract extension. Given Edmunds’ productivity, his talent, and the added motivation that comes with being spurned by your former team, expect big things from the centerpiece of the Bears’ revamped defense in 2023.

LB: Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville Jaguars

Lloyd didn’t waste any time throwing his weight around, as a rookie in the Jaguars’ linebacker corps last season. The Utah alum’s three interceptions led all linebackers, and he was consistently around the football, carding 110 total tackles. If Lloyd builds on his stellar rookie season, don’t be surprised to find him on this list by year’s end.

LB: Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers

A strong case can be made that each member of the 49ers’ front-seven could wind up an All-Pro, but Greenlaw should benefit more than most from Javon Hargrave’s arrival. Last season Greenlaw had 127 tackles and was just a brick wall against the run. Expect that to continue in 2023.

CB: Charvarius Ward, San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers boast one of the most talented defenses in the league, and the best defensive back on the roster might be Charvarius Ward, who is criminally underrated outside the Bay Area. Opposing quarterbacks managed only an 88.2 passer rating when targeting Ward last season, and receivers had little room to operate, averaging just 11 yards per catch. Given the combination of the 49ers’ ferocious front-seven and Ward’s prowess in man coverage, the stage could be set for the 27-year-old to have a career year in 2023.

CB: Asante Samuel Jr., Los Angeles Chargers

Entering his third season, Samuel Jr. hasn’t just already proven himself to be a legitimate ballhawk, but he continues to get better. Quarterbacks rarely targeted Samuel Jr. last season, and when they did, they managed a meager 97.6 passer rating on those throws. Samuel Jr. already etched his name in the record books, becoming the first player to pull down three interceptions in his playoff debut. If Samuel builds on a stellar finish to 2022, there’s a good chance he finishes 2023 as an All-Pro.

S: Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens

Hamilton is as versatile as they come at safety, and aims to build on a prolific rookie season, that was capped by him leading the Ravens’ defense with 9.0 tackles in a Wild Card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Not only does Hamilton thrive in coverage, where he played both deep safety and in the slot while holding opposing receivers to only 9.9 Yards per Reception, but he’s a real weapon up near the line of scrimmage. Hamilton’s 2.0 sacks and 20 run-stops underscore his value at all levels of the Ravens’ defense.

S: Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Winfield Jr. is an ascending talent at the safety position, who could see more opportunities to create turnovers as head coach Todd Bowles dials up the pressure via the blitz this season. Moving to free safety this season could create more opportunities for Winfield to flash in coverage, where he held opposing receivers to just 10.5 Yards per Reception in 2022. If the Buccaneers’ defense bounces back, and Winfield plays a starring role, don’t be surprised when he winds up being an impact player this season.

A new trade proposal between the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings would completely the shift the dynamic at quarterback in San Francisco. But the proposal would add Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter, making it enticing enough to consider.

Niners Wire’s Kyle Madson suggested “a colossal move” in which San Francisco could deal quarterback Trey Lance and a fourth-round pick to the Vikings for Hunter, who is entering the final year of his contract in Minnesota. Madson noted that the Vikings are “doing a little bit of a retooling on their roster.”

“All of [Hunter’s] pass-rushing success is accompanied by consistently strong run defense that allows him to stay on the field for all three downs,” NinersWire’s Ryan Madson wrote in a June 11 story. “Edge defenders of Hunter’s caliber don’t typically come available, which is why the 49ers have to at least poke around on a possible deal.”

It’s a sensational proposal to say the least, and it would allow the 49ers to gain a top-level player in exchange for Lance, whose future became the subject of speculation when his former backup, Brock Purdy, became the front-runner for the starting job.

The 49ers have not indicated, however, that they are ready to move on from Lance, the third overall pick in the 2021 draft.

Danielle Hunter Returns in 2022

When Hunter is healthy, he produces at an elite level. His health is a red flag, though. He missed all of 2020 and over half of 2021 with injuries. But 2022 was encouraging, with the 28-year-old a href=”https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HuntDa01.htm” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>playing in all 17 games and racking up 10.5 sacks and 22 total QB hits. He still produced at an exceptional rate in 2021, collecting 6 sacks despite playing in just seven games.

In total, Hunter has 71 sacks in 102 career games. He’s not much of a ball-disrupter, with just six forced fumbles over that span. But he does have 262 solo tackles in his career, lending credence to the idea that he’s a run and pass defender.

Vikings Star May Need New Contract to Play

Hunter is “officially a holdout” from the Vikings’ mandatory minicamp, which started June 13, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Hunter, who is owed $5.5 million in 2023, wants a new contract that is more in line with his 2022 performance, according to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis, who wrote on June 12 that “there is no easy answer” regarding whether the Vikings would give Hunter a raise.

He will need a new deal in 2024 regardless of where he plays.

Madson wrote that the 49ers would likely need to pay him just to persuade him to come over, and that using Lance as a bargaining chip affects how the team could view a trade for Hunter as a long-term or short-term addition.

“They could be looking to add him just for 2023 where they can pay him $5.5 million to try and win a title this year and then let him walk in the offseason,” Madson wrote. “It’s unlikely Hunter would want to even play without a new deal though, and at that point it becomes about the type of contract he wants and whether the 49ers can or want to afford it.”

Fans of the San Francisco 49ers are hopeful that Trey Lance will enter 2023 healthier and more confident, especially as his starting quarterback position isn’t guaranteed with last season’s top surprise Brock Purdy in the vicinity.

But for those fans wondering where the confidence level is for the No. 3 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, particularly following his broken ankle and watching Purdy take the reins, All-Pro George Kittle helped answer where that part is for Lance during his appearance on The Jim Rome Show on Tuesday, June 13.

“I think Trey looks a lot different,” Kittle responded to the longtime radio show host’s question. “I think his confidence in himself, he has this calmness to him in the huddle, he looks like he’s having fun again, and he’s healthy. So those are three things that are good for the Niners.”

The fact Kittle is noticing Lance “having fun again” during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp has to be most enticing for 49er fans. It’s the signal that the 2022 regular season opening starter is gaining his belief in himself back.

Kittle Details How Lance is Regaining Confidence & Form

Kittle has seen some excitement out of Lance’s arm in Santa Clara.

“I’m really excited, too. This OTAs practice, the last day of minicamp, me and Trey connected on a 60-yard touchdown down the sideline, a little box fade around the linebacker, threw it away from the safety, perfectly in the bread basket. I was able to catch it in stride for a touchdown,” Kittle described.

But here’s why a practice play like that gets Kittle intrigued for the upcoming season.

“And that was a route that, training camp last year, we kind of struggled to connect with,” Kittle said.

Kittle Answers Where Lance can Improve

Most analysts believe Lance needs to improve in a number of areas, but some zeroed in on his accuracy and arm conditioning — the latter especially as Lance admitted to reporters during OTAs that his arm began to wear down in the 2021 season due to what he described was overtraining his right arm.

Kittle, though, believes Lance can improve through this area: repetitions and taking more of them on the practice field.

“And so you could see he’s progressed since last season. That’s all I’m asking for. I was asked the same question last year, ‘Hey, how’s Trey Lance look?’ And my answer is always, ‘He just needs reps.’ That’s all it is,” Kittle said. “He’s got a high ceiling, and the more reps he gets, the better he’s going to be.

“And so it’s exciting to see that he has taken steps forward,” Kittle continued. “He’s progressed, and I think that’s just good news for the Niners.”

Before the Rome interview, Kittle also was asked to answer who the clubhouse leader is for the QB1 duties on the 49ers from his eyes with Sports Illustrated. The response from “The People’s Tight End?”

“Trey is a starter in the NFL,” Kittle said. “He will be. Get that guy some reps. He has an incredibly high ceiling. Brock Purdy won eight straight games, got hurt. It’s just Brock’s job to lose at that point.”

Turns out George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey have a lot in common with one another — according to the “People’s Tight End.”

The San Francisco 49ers All-Pro tight end got on the NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Tuesday, June 13 to speak highly of his running back teammate, who will soon have his first full regular season alongside Kittle for the first time in his 49ers venture.

In the past, “Run CMC” and Kittle would only team together for a Pro Bowl. But turns out that as Kittle has gotten to know the All-Pro back, his personality is equal to the tight end’s…to the point Kittle called him a “weirdo,” but in a playful way.

“And it turns out, at the end of the day, he’s also funny, and he’s a great dude. And so he fits our locker perfectly well. And he’s also a weirdo, just like me, which means you’re usually a good football player,” Kittle said.

Kittle Likes Fact McCaffrey Has Locker Next to Him

What additionally helps the growing camaraderie between Kittle and McCaffrey is that inside the 49ers’ facility, their lockers aren’t far from one another. It’s next to each other.

Kittle is entering his seventh season in the NFL, also the number of seasons McCaffrey has been in the league as both were part of the 2017 draft class. Kittle is also older than McCaffrey by two years. However, the perennial Pro Bowl tight end believes he’s learned a lot from the younger talent.

“Man, McCaffrey is one of a kind,” Kittle said to GMF. “Just being able to be in a locker next to him, being able to block for him, see his mindset every single day in the locker room, on the practice field, how he takes care of his body. He is a professional. Everything he does is to set him up for success on the football field, and you love to be around guys like that.”

Kittle added: “You love guys with that mindset. It is infectious. Other guys watch that mindset. They watch how he prepares. They watch how he does his own thing. They watch the time he commits to everything, the film he watches. And so everything he brings to the table is positive for the Niners.”

McCaffrey Earned Praise From National Analytics Outlet

Even with the change of scenery, plus playing in not even a full season with the 49ers and adjusting to the Kyle Shanahan zone read offense, McCaffrey’s play still earned plenty of praise ahead of minicamps.

In fact, Pro Football Focus ranked McCaffrey as the third best running back ahead of the 2023 campaign — even earning the title of “still one of the biggest difference makers at the position” by PFF’s Trevor Sikkema.

“If you heavily weigh receiving ability into where a back should be ranked in an exercise like this, McCaffrey would probably be No. 1. His 92.6 receiving grade was the best at the position last season, and it marked his fourth season with an elite grade in that category. His rushing grades haven’t been as strong, but he’s averaged more than 4.5 yards per carry in each of the past two seasons,” Sikkema wrote. “Even if his rushing numbers are inflated a bit due to the friendly Shanahan system, McCaffrey is still one of the biggest difference makers at the position.”

The San Francisco 49ers already have two former No. 3 overall picks in one position group at quarterback in Trey Lance and Sam Darnold. But is there any chance they can pull off having two Ex-second overall picks at another spot? Let alone past college teammates?

CBS Sports analyst Cody Benjamin on Monday, June 12 wrote down the 49ers as the fifth-best suitor for Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young, who remains a strong subject for trade rumblings.

“Nick Bosa is about to command lucrative money as the headliner of their pass-rushing group,” wrote Benjamin, “and they just paid a fortune for Javon Hargrave to join the interior, but after losing both Samson Ebukam and Charles Omenihu in free agency, they could stand to add depth off the edge. San Francisco relies so much on its ‘D’ while sticking to the ground on offense, so John Lynch might be willing to bet on the long-term upside.”

News of the Commanders moving on from the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 spread on June 6, as NFL insider for Sports Illustrated Albert Breer reported that Washington might consider trading their edge rusher. The Commanders already showed one sign of possible movement away from Young by declining to exercise Young’s fifth-year option.

Strong Proposal Brings Bosa & Young Back Together

This is more than just a strong proposal coming from Benjamin as Young faces a murky future in Washington. It also brings two highly-touted and dominating Ohio State Buckeyes back together.

Young became teammates with Bosa for two seasons as he joined the Buckeyes’ 2017 recruiting class.

With Bosa on one end, he went on to deliver a combined 12.5 sacks in ’17 and ’18. Young, meanwhile, snatched 13.5 combined sacks during both campaigns — and that includes Young’s breakthrough 10.5 sack season of 2018. Bosa eventually declared for the 2019 draft and went behind Kyler Murray at No. 2 overall to the 49ers.

Young didn’t skip a beat without Bosa in 2019 — skyrocketing to 16.5 sacks and making his own way in going second overall the following draft class. Like Bosa, Young went behind a passer as well…but a former Buckeye in LSU’s Joe Burrow.

Now, there’s the red-hot idea of the 49ers adding another fierce edge rusher in the room…and someone who has already formed a dominating pass rush with Bosa before.

Pros & Cons of Adding ‘Predator’

It’s an extremely enticing thought to add the ‘Predator’ Young in a room that not only has Bosa and fellow former first-round selection Arik Armstead (No. 17 overall in the 2015 draft), but just added the “gravedigger” in prized free agent signing Javon Hargrave to bolster the interior of the defense.

But here are the pros and cons of adding Young if the 49ers manage to pull off a trade starting with the former:

Stability opposite of Bosa: While Bosa has dominated his side, the 49ers have had to go with a rotation on the other end — cycling through Samson Ebukam, Charles Omenihu, Jordan Willis and Arden Key through the last few years. Young, given his past as a Pro Bowl talent, is more than capable to solidify the opposite side of Bosa for as many as three downs.

Fresher legs for Young: One reason for Young possibly being moved involves his injury history as he’s missed a combined 22 games since his stellar rookie campaign. With names like Drake Jackson, Austin Bryant and another past first-round talent in Clelin Ferrell, Young can also have his moments of rest with a deep rotation here.

Chance of career ascension and championship: With Bosa likely to face two blockers or more moving forward, it opens the door for someone else on the Niners to hit double-digit sacks. Plus be a part of a team with Super Bowl-winning aspirations. Young can get both by being dealt here.

Now on to the cons in possibly adding Young…

Cap space: The 49ers currently have nearly $10.7 million left in cap space per Over the Cap. Young is supposed to make up to $11 million this season. However, the next team that could acquire him would only be responsible for $5.32 million — his base salary for ’23 per Spotrac.

Second-rounder & ex-1st rounder getting increased chances: Jackson reenters the picture here. Despite a disappointing rookie season, the 2022 second-rounder has looked bulkier from his rookie year and has won over 49er players plus new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks with his work ethic. The physique change could help persuade the 49ers to avoid trading for Young. Ferrell is also involved here, as his signing gives him his own shot at career redemption after a string of dismal production with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Inserting Young into this deep 49ers trench unit certainly catapults them as one of the favorites to claim the Vince Lombardi Trophy, as they’re considered a top-five destination for the defender entering his fourth season. Bosa and Young relinking one more time is another enticing thought. Benjamin, though, has the Chicago Bears as the top destination for the trade candidate.

The San Francisco 49ers are going to need to turn to some “above average” nastiness to fill one important position on the field in 2023, which also has one analyst believing it’ll lead to a breakout season for the incoming starter.

Before he was drafted, Colton McKivitz was knocked for what was called “below-average” arm length but had a nasty streak attached to him to compensate for it. Three years after that NFL.com draft evaluation by Lance Zierlein, McKivitz now faces the task of replacing a valuable right tackle presence who signed an $87.5 million deal during the 2023 offseason.

Count Jim Wyman of Pro Football Focus on Monday, June 12 as one who believes McKivitz is the guy on the 49ers ready for a breakthrough — naming the fourth-year veteran as a member of the 2023 All-Breakout Team by PFF.

Wyman believes the 49ers already have faith instilled onto their projected 6-foot-6 right tackle, by virtue of not addressing a possible replacement for McGlinchey in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, McKivitz is anticipated to be involved in an underrated position battle with one veteran.

“After Mike McGlinchey left to join the Denver Broncos in free agency, the 49ers had a hole to fill at right tackle. Yet, with their nine draft picks, not one was used on an offensive lineman, let alone a tackle,” Wyman wrote. “This leaves the door open for a competition for the starting right tackle job between Matt Pryor, who spent the last two seasons in Indianapolis, and 2020 fifth-rounder McKivitz.”

Why McGlinchey Holds the Edge for RT Spot

For starters, the 49ers will need some pass blocking consistency and an additional mean streak to protect a QB room that saw four injuries last season…which led to Christian McCaffrey being labeled an emergency quarterback during the NFC title game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Wyman states the taller 6-foot-7 Pryor isn’t the guy to protect Brock Purdy, Trey Lance or Sam Darnold on a starter basis moving forward, even though Pryor has had more snaps and starts at past places.

“Pryor has much more starting experience, but he’s coming off a season where he put up a 44.9 overall grade, including a 40.8 pass-blocking grade,” Wyman wrote.

Wyman dialed in on one game that caught his attention and did enough to persuade him that McKivitz is the better option.

“McKivitz only really got significant playing time in Week 4 of the 2022 season, but he played pretty well against a difficult pass rush, putting up an 87.3 pass-blocking grade while surrendering zero pressures,” Wyman said, which was the 24-9 victory over the Los Angeles Rams when McKivitz filled for Trent Williams.

Wyman concluded with: “Don’t be too surprised if you see McKivitz take the majority of the snaps at right tackle for the 49ers this season.”

Clips Point to McKivitz Being the Right Fit

Barring injury during minicamp or training camp, the right tackle is McKivitz’s job to lose.

And past clips broken down by The Football Scout on YouTube point to the 49ers being in great hands with McKivitz filling for McGlinchey.

The first clip shows McKivitz accomplishing what’s become an annual hard task for offensive linemen: blocking Aaron Donald. McKivitz, despite coming up too high, still does enough to win the battle by swinging his hips then staying squared long enough to give the 49ers some running room. The second clip involves pass protection and McKivitz countering a hand swipe. He draws Justin Hollins who attempts a swipe move to shed past McKivitz. But, the 49er gets vertical and readjusts his hands to hold off Hollins’ rush, which ended in a reception for first down.

But the nastiness that made him a fifth-round selection by the 49ers was on display in this clip. McKivitz, in bouncer-like fashion, powerfully shoves 290-pound Manny Jones out the way for a 12-yard gain.

McKivitz has starter experience before. That experience, combined with his nasty streak, has earned him the breakout label on the Niners.

The San Francisco 49ers have three QBs on the roster for a reason, but one NFL coach is suggesting they deal a passer to the Las Vegas Raiders. Brock Purdy, Trey Lance and Sam Darnold all seem like they have a role to play in 2023, but Darnold is the odd man out in regard to the team’s long-term plans.

Darnold was brought in as insurance for Lance and Purdy, who both suffered major injuries in 2022. Now, one NFL coach told Heavy’s Matt Lombardo, the Raiders need him for their own insurance.

“I’d trade for Sam Darnold today,” an NFL offensive coach told Heavy. “They have big issues out there, because they don’t have money to make a big trade. Especially when you’re talking about a quarterback.”

Darnold signed a one-year deal with the 49ers in March, but it could be hard to say no to what is essentially free draft capital. Signing a backup for free and then trading him for draft picks is shrewd business, although San Francisco genuinely needs the insurance considering that Lance (broken ankle) and Purdy (torn elbow ligament) are recovering from season-ending injuries.

What kind of compensation the Niners could expect for this kind of deal is unclear, but it feels like something the San Francisco front office should consider.

Sam Darnold to Las Vegas Raiders After Struggles?

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is known for being a QB whisperer and a coach who maximizes his team’s offense. When San Francisco brought Darnold to California this offseason, it was clear that Shanahan saw another reclamation project.

After a disappointing start to his NFL career with the New York Jets, Darnold got his next chance with the Carolina Panthers. While the former USC star didn’t throw more interceptions than touchdowns for the first time since 2019 (seven TDs, three INTs,) it was still a difficult stretch. In six starts, Darnold averaged just 190 passing yards a game and 8.2 yards per catch with a 58.6% completion rate, so he was not making big plays down the field.

In Shanahan’s offense, Darnold wouldn’t be expected to throw many deep balls. However, there is still much for the 26-year-old to prove in order to stake his claim over Purdy or Lance.

Sports Illustrated’s Grant Cohn compared Darnold to Alex Smith, another 26-year-old quarterback who was written off as a bust.

“Darnold and Smith have lots in common,” Cohn wrote in a story published April 5. “Both were big-time recruits coming out of high school in Southern California. Both were top-three picks coming out of college — Smith was the No. 1 pick, Darnold was the No. 3 pick. Both were drafted to terrible teams with terrible coaches. Both were scapegoated and benched because they tried to do too much, committed lots of turnovers and failed to live up to unreasonable expectations.”

But Smith turned around his career after the 49ers hired Jim Harbaugh as head coach in 2011. Now, Darnold has a chance to do the same with Shanahan “if he ever gets the chance to play,” Cohn wrote.

49ers QB Backed by Legend

While speculation surrounds the three quarterbacks in San Francisco, Lance is receiving high praise and backing from a team legend. Former 49ers TE Brent Jones recently spoke on what he’s seen from the young QB.

The three-time Super Bowl champion believes that Lance has had a tough road to where he is now, but that the former North Dakota State star has taken things in stride.

“I love the way the kid has handled himself,” Jones said on KNBR on June 5. “There’s been a lot of adversity for him as a young player, and he’s kind of kept his mouth closed. He’s just worked hard. He’s said all the right things when asked—because that’s a tough situation for a young, competitive guy.”

Lance will have to continue grinding in order to reclaim the starting job for San Francisco, as Purdy appears to be the expected starter when healthy.

Two years after San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ambry Thomas was surpassed by two classmates drafted behind him in 2021, the team’s new defensive coordinator gave him a vote of confidence.

“I’m very confident that he can get it done,” Steve Wilks told the Bay Area media on June 8.

Thomas, who was taken in the third round, had five starts his rookie year, more than fifth-round defensive backs Talanoa Hufanga and Deommodore Lenoir.

But a year later, Hufanga was a first-team All-Pro and Lenoir was the team’s postseason interception leader. Thomas, meanwhile, failed to start a single game.

Ambry Thomas Was Once Called Trade Option by 1 Analyst

Entering his third season, Thomas could be looking at a make-or-break type scenario for ’23. He had even been suggested as a trade candidate before the 2023 draft.

“The 49ers won’t get back anything close to the third-round pick they used on him in 2021, but it’d be better than going after another body and subsequently waiving Thomas before he entered the third season of his pro career,” FanSided’s Peter Panacy wrote on April 5.

Wilks hinted that he liked what he’d seen from Thomas during the 49ers’ OTAs.

“I think, right now, I’m very impressed with [him] being in gym shorts,” Wilks said. “But I think once we get the pads on in training camp, we have an opportunity to go and practice against the [Las Vegas] Raiders before we play them, and we’ll see exactly once we get the preseason.”

Thomas is listed third on the depth chart at right cornerback, behind Lenoir and Isaiah Oliver, a sixth-year player whom the 49ers signed as a free agent from the Atlanta Falcons. The 49ers lost Emmanuel Moseley and Jason Verrett to free agency.

Oliver is expected to compete for the nickelback position, according to NBC Sports Bay Area.

“Oliver is someone that I had the opportunity to go against being in that division,” Wilks said, according to Jennifer Lee Chan’s May 16 story. “We wanted to make sure that we sort of got the best nickel in free agency and that’s what we went out and did, so I’m excited about Oliver. He’s long, he’s physical, can tackle, can cover, he’s going to be a good blitzer for us, everything that we do within this defense.”

Is Thomas Making a Case for a Return to Starter Status During OTAs?

From Wilks’ eyes, has Thomas put together a strong offseason.

“Ambry, I thought has had a great OTAs and mini-camp,” Wilks said. “So when you look at those two guys [Thomas and Lenoir] with the amount of reps they’ve taken with Mooney [Ward] not being there, I think it has only been a plus.”

Wilks adds another contender in the CB room.

“And I saw progression with Sammy [CB Samuel Womack III] as well, Womack, so I’m excited about the young guys that we have on the outside,” Wilks said.

Thomas won over 49ers fans for his game-sealing interception on January 9, 2022, in the 27-24 season finale over the Los Angeles Rams that clinched the 49ers’ wild-card spot.

Deebo Samuel gave a strong evaluation of his 2022 season and ended up criticizing his own performance, even admitted he wasn’t in top condition for last year.

One San Francisco 49ers All-Pro reacted to the critique — with Trent Williams refusing to believe his 2021 Pro Bowl teammate had an off year.

“I thought he was Deebo,” Williams said to the Bay Area media on Thursday, June 8. “Everybody’s their own worst critic. I know he’s hard on himself, but I thought he was a playmaker for us.”

Is Williams Noticing a Changed Samuel?

The 10-time Pro Bowl left tackle is entering his fourth season as Samuel’s teammate on the 49ers.

One year ago, Samuel was in the midst of a contract dispute with the Niners and momentarily had requested a trade from the team. He eventually showed up to the team’s minicamp and then signed a $71.5 million deal. Samuel admitted with the Bay Area media Wednesday that his focus on his contract situation ultimately helped lead into a down year for him by his critique.

This time, what has the “silverback” seen from the “wide back” in Santa Clara?

“He’s been grinding,” Williams said. “He’s definitely been grinding, which I think with all great players, I think every offseason, even if it’s one percent you figure out how to do things a little bit better, whether it’s starting faster, starting later, figuring out ways to get your body healthy as opposed to just lifting weights. Everybody has their own recipe. So I just looked at it as another part of his maturation.”

Williams Additionally Set to be Joined by new Starter on the Offensive Line

Furthermore involving Williams, he’s having to adjust to life without Mike McGlinchey as the opposite tackle to him.

McGlinchey became one of the more significant losses on the 49ers during the 2023 offseason, as the Denver Broncos swooped him up on an $87.5 million deal in March.

Now, filling the right tackle spot McGlinchey bequeaths has become a high priority for the 49ers heading into training camp. However, the belief is that the Niners have their guy in place already in longtime reserve Colton McKivitz.

Williams is one who believes the 49ers don’t need to look any further than McKivitz and that the 26-year-old has earned a spot on the first team.

“I think it’s well deserved. It’s been a long time coming,” Williams said of his tackle teammate.

Williams has even witnessed McKivitz bounce back from his down moments of when he didn’t make the 53-man roster.

“I remember having conversations with him when he didn’t make the roster, and he had to go to the practice squad for a couple of weeks and how bummed out he was,” Williams said. “He was playing great, but you know, it’s a numbers game more than anything. And just to see him continue to grind, not to be discouraged, continue to let his talent show, play with confidence, he earned it. He’s here for a reason, and he got that spot for a reason.”

Williams concluded with, “He earned it. I’m proud of him.”

With the decision to waive Shae Wyatt, the San Francisco 49ers created an opening for the wide receiver position and who could be newly inserted into the Kyle Shanahan offense. They wound up hosting two wide receivers for a Wednesday, June 7 tryout — one with a past background as a quarterback and the other hailing from the XFL.

Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz of The Score, Jahcour Pearson from the XFL had a tryout with the Niners. The second wideout who worked out in front of the 49ers was Jason Moore — formerly of the Los Angeles Chargers but also a former quarterback.

Moore’s QB Past Plus Time With the Bolts

Moore originally began his high school career at Oberlin High School in Ohio lining up behind center, which included his senior season. Moore was 6-foot-3, 185-pounds and a dual-threat who could play multiple positions during that time. He also ran a reported 4.53 time in the 40-yard dash.

Moore, however, made the switch to wide receiver when he arrived at NCAA Division II program Findlay. He didn’t get a chance to see the field for his first two seasons before making his way onto the starting lineup in 2015, appearing in nine total games. He went on to score seven touchdowns in his official CFB debut.

But then he became a school record holder the following season by netting 1,115 receiving yards for the Oilers. He added another season record by crossing the end zone 15 times. He went on to add 14 more touchdowns in 2017.

Unfortunately, a failed drug test caused him to lose the first seven games of his 2018 campaign. Yet, he still honorable mention honors for the All-Great Midwest Athletic Conference.

The now 6-foot-3, 215-pound Moore went on to enter the league as an undrafted free agent and elder rookie at 24. He spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers and went on to grab six total receptions for 104 yards and started in one game during the 2021 season according to Pro Football Reference.

Pearson Was League Leader & was Around 49ers Before

Pearson, meanwhile, ended his XFL season as the league’s offensive player of the year — topping the league in two categories for the Seattle Sea Dragons.

He snatched 60 receptions, which led all wideouts in the XFL’s return. His 670 yards was another league-best mark. No other XFL wide receiver came close to hitting 600 receiving yards. Pearson additionally ended up with four touchdowns receiving and averaged 11.2 yards per catch. Lastly, he delivered a combined 10 catches that stretched between 20 to 40 yards. He was the 27th overall pick to the Sea Dragons in their 2023 draft.

Before starring in the XFL’s return, the 5-foot-9, 180-pounder was a three-star signing for Western Kentucky University. Pearson, though, only produced two seasons of surpassing the double digit mark in receptions — 2018 with 13 catches then 2019 with a career-best 76. The latter campaign was also the season that saw him score his first CFB touchdown and ended the year scoring seven.

That ’19 season would be the only campaign that saw Pearson cross the end zone. He went on to catch 26 passes for 392 yards in his transfer to Ole Miss in 2021. He went to Oxford as a non-scholarship transfer.

It’s not his first time being around the 49ers. He took part in their May 2023 rookie minicamp.

The San Francisco 49ers have a roster built to contend at the highest level, but one insider is explaining why the team may have to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Samuel has already experienced a trade saga while with San Francisco, but his contract could lead to another.

The 49ers have a “good” problem with talent on offense like Samuel, tight end George Kittle and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. They are all talented players, but working within cap space requirements is difficult when it comes time for top players to get paid.

ESPN writer Nick Wagoner recently explained that trading away Samuel is something San Francisco will have to consider. With Aiyuk on the way up, having two receivers making big money is difficult to pull off.

“You can’t rule it out guys, it is possible,” Wagoner said on KNBR. “It would have been very difficult to do this offseason… I think next year the conversation becomes more interesting. Aiyuk — really to me guys, and I’m not trying to take away too much from these OTAs — he’s probably been the best player on the field that we’ve seen. I think he’s in a position where he’s going to get a big contract. Now, next offseason if you do a contract with Aiyuk, theoretically you could structure it where his first year cap hit is pretty low, and you could keep both of them.”

That’s a big if, but there’s evidence to think that Aiyuk is on an upswing.

Aiyuk Excelling in OTAs After 2022 Season

For any first-round pick, the expectations are high. Aiyuk had the fortune of coming into a talented offense that didn’t demand that he produce at an elite level, but he’s starting to show he can.

After a respectable 1574 receiving yards over two seasons and 29 games, Aiyuk caught 78 passes for 1015 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2023 according to PFR. Cracking the 1000-yard mark isn’t necessarily elite, but it’s especially impressive considering the talent Aiyuk is splitting attention with.

Aiyuk taking another step to be a lethal downfield threat for San Francisco is exactly what head coach Kyle Shanahan will be looking for. Deebo is an explosive player, but isn’t a great long-ball option.

Having Aiyuk stretch the field even more, while Samuel takes advantage of space underneath, is a lethal combo on paper.

Super Bowl or Bust for 49ers?

One thing that could ease the financial waistband for the 49ers would be a Super Bowl ring. At least, that’s what Wagoner thinks could help.

San Francisco has played in three conference championships and a Super Bowl since Deebo arrived, but has yet to hoist the Lombardi Trophy under Shanahan. Finally doing so could persuade both the 49ers and Samuel to cut deals to keep the roster together.

“If Deebo goes out and plays great and they win a Super Bowl, then they probably try and figure out a way that they can extend that a little bit more,” Wagoner said. “Even if he doesn’t, you’ve gotten what you want out of the nucleus, it’s a little bit easier to make those decisions knowing you’ve got a Super Bowl ring in your pocket.”

The San Francisco 49ers don’t come off as a destination for four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. Especially with Christian McCaffrey gearing up for his first full regular season as a 49er.

However, Cook just may have fired off the signal that he’s heading to a 49ers-like attack spearheaded by a popular former 49ers assistant.

The now former Minnesota Vikings running back, who was released on Thursday, June 8 in a salary cap move, posted this photo on his Instagram page of him standing inside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami…best known as the home of the Miami Dolphins.

That could mean a new dynamic option for Ex-49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, whose first rushing attack with the Dolphins last season struggled with producing a 1,000-yard rusher even with fellow former 49er Raheem Mostert producing a career-best 891 rushing yards as the featured back.

Even before Cook shared that photo, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter listed the Dolphins as one of two strong suitors for the perennial Pro Bowl running back.

“The Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos are two of the teams that are expected to have an interest in signing running back Dalvin Cook once he officially is released, per sources. There likely will be others, but those two have been monitoring Cook for weeks,” Schefter tweeted.

Sources: McDaniel, Dolphins Would Be ‘Hell to Stop’ With Dalvin Cook

Heavy NFL senior reporter Matt Lombardo spoke with NFL sources regarding the topic of where Cook may end up on June 2. Lombardo ultimately helped draw the conclusion that Cook heading over to the 49ers-style offense being implemented by McDaniel is a prime fit for the back with four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons.

“Miami would have a hammer to go with all of that speed,” one AFC scout told Heavy, on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about another team and in this case, the Dolphins. “With Dalvin Cook, they’d really be hell to stop on offense. It would almost be unfair to drop him in that situation.”

To reiterate, McDaniel’s ground attack struggled with getting some early footing as they ranked 25th in rushing yards. No Dolphin running back — including the past 49ers representation of Mostert and Jeff Wilson — surpassed the three-touchdown mark last season.

Still, “The Dolphins would be a terrific fit,” from what an NFC Personnel Executive told Heavy while adding, “he’s a great back.”

Cook would enter a room not only featuring past 49ers, but head to an offense that already has perennial Pro Bowler Tyreek Hill and past 100-catch wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. Miami also made the aggressive trade to land past 49ers nemesis Jalen Ramsey via the Los Angeles Rams during March 2023.

Christian McCaffrey Is ‘Game Ready,’ 49ers Assistant Says

Tracing back to the Bay Area, a buzz has been building for McCaffrey being given a full season in the 49ers offense this fall.

“Run CMC” didn’t take long to impact the Niners with 1,210 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns…all in a span of 11 games following the blockbuster trade done by the Carolina Panthers.

“He is a student of the game and he works his tail off,” Lynch said last week, via Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area. “Right now things are coming to him a lot faster than they did last year because he wasn’t familiar with the system. I’m just looking forward to where he can go next because he looks game-ready right now.”

McCaffrey has also began to provide an impactful influence on the other 49ers in the backfield with him.

“He leads by example and when you see one of your best players practicing and performing like that it elevates the whole team and even the coaching staff,” Lynn said.

The Minnesota Vikings, featuring former San Francisco 49ers executive Kwesi Adofo-Mensah at general manager, find themselves in a growing roster overhaul with minicamp already beginning in six days.

Already, the team dealt away Za’Darius Smith to the Cleveland Browns on May 16. Four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook remains a trade or cut candidate given his hefty salary. Now, three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter is on the trade block as of Wednesday, June 7 — with NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport unveiling that the Vikes have been receiving trade calls for Hunter, which he adds are “pretty serious” talks.

The news of Hunter being on the trade block prompted Bay Area sports radio personality and 49ers reporter Bonta Hill of 95.7 FM The Game to drop his hint that the Niners should be pursuing Hunter.

What is Hunter’s Situation?

Much like Cook’s situation, Hunter is finding himself facing a deep financial dilemma with the Vikings.

He’s currently on a five-year, $72 million deal. But, that deal officially runs out in 2024.

There are reports that Hunter sounds displeased with his current contract. Again, this is the final year of his deal while he’s also set to earn a base salary of $4.9 million for the 2023 season. His yearly cash is set for $5.5 million.

Rapoport had stated that the Vikes tried to look into a temporary “band-aid solution” that would’ve allowed the edge rusher to earn more money for the upcoming season. But the interest of that hasn’t been there for Hunter. He ended up not attending the Vikings’ organized team activities (OTAs) during June.

“They have not yet been able to strike a long term deal to compensate him at a level he wants,” Rapoport said.

However, Rapoport added “a trade probably would’ve been a lot easier before the draft because then the Vikings would be able to replace him. Much more difficult now.”

But, trade chatter is happening for Hunter and the former 49ers executive Mensah is involved in making another potential blockbuster roster shakeup on the eve of minicamp.

Any Room for Hunter in the Bay Area?

The thought of adding the ultra-productive Hunter is, without a doubt, an intriguing one for a 49ers team that has thrived on building the trenches.

After all, Hunter not only has 71 career sacks, but he’s produced four double-digit sack seasons since 2016. And that includes his back-to-back 14.5 sack campaigns in 2018 and 2019. He still performed at a high level last season in hitting 10.5 sacks with the Vikings — leading into his third Pro Bowl appearance. The very thought of him on a defensive line featuring the league’s top sack leader Nick Bosa, the versatile Arik Armstead and prized newcomer Javon Hargrave presents a nightmarish front for offensive lines.

However, the 49ers could run into their own financial difficulties if they were to work a trade with Hunter. Even if it came at the expense of dealing draft capital or even quarterback Trey Lance (whose name has been linked as a possibility for the Vikings before), the 49ers would still face a tough situation in trying to acquire Hunter via trade, especially with taking on his current salary. Currently, the 49ers sit at $10,681,566 in cap space per Over the Cap.

There’s still this situation involving the 49ers’ trenches and front office: Bosa and his still pending contract extension. Many analysts believe the reigning 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is deserving of becoming the wealthiest defensive player in league history. Bosa, however, has suggested to the Bay Area media that he hasn’t given too much thought into his pending extension and is confident something will work out.

The Vikings situation, though, clearly points to not having enough money to keep Hunter any longer. Best case scenario for the Niners is potentially see if Hunter gets released. A trade would have to likely mean Hunter being willing to accept lesser money. Still, the idea of seeing Hunter in a 49ers uniform has sprouted…which would instantly bolster the Niners’ Super Bowl hopes if Hunter joins that defensive line room in the Bay Area.

Fans of the San Francisco 49ers know how effervescent George Kittle is on and off the football field. Those fans have additionally noticed how Brandon Aiyuk is the opposite.

Aiyuk, however, has already delivered the bold declaration during OTAs that he plans to “really take off” this season following a career-year. Kittle himself has noticed how much more vocal the fourth-year wide receiver has become.

“The energy he has, I think, just kind of figured it out like last year,” Kittle said to the Bay Area media on Tuesday, June 6. “I think he was kind of a quiet assassin, and then he just worked every single day.”

Now, the “quiet assassin” is becoming more vocal — even becoming more talkative during wide receiver drills and leading the wideouts from what Kittle and the Bay Area media has seen.

“And while he might be a little bit louder this year, he still works the same way,” Kittle said. “And he just has this intent about his work, too, which I really appreciate.”

What Else has Kittle Seen From the 1,000-Yard WR From Last Year?

Last season was Aiyuk’s breakthrough campaign.

He improved all three of his totals in the major receiving categories of receptions (78), yards (1,015) and touchdowns (eight). And he did that while starting in all 17 regular season games — a first for his young NFL career.

But what makes Aiyuk tick, especially now from what the “People’s Tight End” has seen?

“He dominates the guy across from him,” Kittle said. “He’s catching everything they throw at him. He’s making big plays and he brings a lot of excitement to our offense. He brings a lot of energy to that offense, too.”

And Aiyuk is energizing the offense as the 49ers have had limited numbers in the receiver room.

“We’re missing a couple of guys who aren’t practicing, but when he’s in the huddle, when he’s out there making plays, the whole team loves that stuff and we love seeing him make those plays,” Kittle said.

Kittle Not the Only 49ers Star Who Has Seen a Changed Aiyuk

Add Deebo Samuel as another 49ers star who’s seen firsthand the ascension Aiyuk has been on.

“Man, you can’t cover him in a phone booth right now,” Samuel said to reporters Tuesday.

Samuel entered the league a year before Aiyuk was taken in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. While a season older than the Arizona State Sun Devil, Samuel himself has witnessed the growth of Aiyuk from his first season to now his fourth minicamp session with the 49ers.

“Just me personally seeing Brandon from a rookie until now, he’s gotten better day in, day out,” Samuel said. “Every season he’s got better, and just like, I’m seeing flashes of stuff that I ain’t seen him do, like how fast he is now, how he’s supposed to be, and the separation that he can get in and out of routes, you can tell he’s really detailed his offseason and ready to go.”

But back to Kittle. From what he’s seen, is the All-Pro predicting Aiyuk will surpass his yardage mark from last year?

“He had over 1000 yards last year,” Kittle said. “I’m not a betting guy, but I would say that he’s going to definitely get over 1,000 this year. He’s going to score a lot of touchdowns. He’s going to make a ton of big plays for us.”

Brent Jones is one San Francisco 49ers legend who is completely on the side of Trey Lance, voicing his backing for the third overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft on KNBR’s Murph & Mac Show on Monday, June 5.

But is Jones a believer in the other former third overall pick the 49ers have?

The legendary tight end who helped bring three Vince Lombardi Trophies back to the Bay Area shared some strong skepticism for the 49ers’ $4.5 million signing of the March 2023 offseason.

“Sam Darnold, I don’t know,” Jones said to both hosts. “I thought early on in his career he could be something special. I know that he has all the skills in shorts, right? In seven-on-seven, Sam Darnold looks like a world-beater, but you got to be able to do it when you put on the pads and you’re going against live bullets, and he hasn’t proven that thus far in his career.”

Darnold to Spilt QB1 Duties for June

Darnold is on his third NFL team since his arrival to the league in 2018. He’s on board with a one-year deal and provides needed depth and insurance for a QB room that saw Lance (broken ankle) and Brock Purdy (elbow) endure ailments. Jimmy Garoppolo (foot) and Josh Johnson (concussion) also got hit with injuries on the 49ers.

Darnold, though, was named QB1…as part of shared duties with Lance for minicamp as noted by head coach Kyle Shanahan.

“We’ve been switching them up each day,” Shanahan said to reporters Tuesday, June 6. “It’s OTAs. Every position, like I said before, I don’t try to come in and know who’s ahead or not. All this is, is a chance to compete in training camp.”

This doesn’t officially make Darnold a threat to win QB1 duties right away. But the vision laid out by Shanahan is allowing Lance and the newcomer to split the first-team duties during the 49ers’ upcoming minicamp. Especially during a time Purdy is still on the road to recovery from his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear on his throwing elbow.

Still, Darnold gets a fresh start and his first offseason with the 49ers. Yet, Jones doesn’t sound too convinced.

Who Jones is ‘Rooting’ For

Darnold, again, is being perceived as more of a depth move and not a legitimate option for a 49ers team with high expectations for the upcoming season. Jones is one on the fence of believing Darnold is more for an extra presence needed on the 49ers.

“So [he’s] certainly a good guy to have on the squad. I don’t think that hurts us in any way but it’ll be interesting to see how it all evolves,” Jones said.

While Jones likes Lance and his attitude, who is he rooting for to eventually lead the Niners into 2023?

“Of course, I don’t have a crystal ball, but I’m rooting for Brock Purdy to be 100 percent,” Jones said. “Let’s just see how these guys compete in training camp. It’s going to be a day-in-and-day-out scenario.”

Jones added how he thought Purdy was another who handled himself well considering his own circumstances of leading the Niners as the third QB option.

“I think Brock had it going last year, and I was really impressed with the young man,” Jones said. “And obviously it sounds like from everything I hear behind the scenes, he’s progressing very well.”

Turns out Deebo Samuel can be his own worst critic.

The 2021 All-Pro, who helped energize the San Francisco 49ers with his stout versatility as a “wide back” during that campaign, had a relatively quieter 2022 season. But Samuel didn’t shy from giving himself a blunt admission about last season.

“Oh, it was awful,” Samuel said to Bay Area reporters on Tuesday, June 6. “Every aspect.”

Samuel Helps Explain Struggles

Samuel’s 2022 really began with a highly-scrutinized contract issue — which included Samuel removing pictures of anything 49ers related on his Instagram and demanding a trade from the Niners. Ultimately, the 49ers avoided sending Samuel away and he was able to work out a new deal that pays him more than $23.5 million annually.

However, Samuel’s regular season was nowhere similar to his 2022 dominance. His receptions went from 77 in ’22 to dropping to 56 last season. He went from 1,405 receiving yards to settling for 632…a 773-yard drop off. And his touchdowns? That went from 14 in his Pro Bowl season to dropping to just five combined scores.

Samuel admitted that focusing on his contract became a “distraction” for him. It ultimately led to him struggling with his conditioning and preparation as he pointed out.

“I was kind of behind a ball a little bit as far as being in my routine that I’ll normally be in for the offseason, getting ready to play because like I said, a lot of distractions were going on,” Samuel explained. “I kind of felt it, but I was just trying to will my way to help the team in every aspect possible.”

How Will Samuel Respond?

As Samuel struggled with re-finding his rhythm with the 49ers offense, his teammate Brandon Aiyuk went on to become the lead wideout and 1,000-yard target. Newcomer Christian McCaffrey also became a primary tone-setter for the 49ers offense with his versatility as a runner and receiver.

But along with addressing his disappointing 2022 season with the Niners, he also addressed his play with his head coach Kyle Shanahan through a sit-down meeting.

“Me and Kyle had a long meeting the other day,” Samuel said. “We watched tape, we talked about it, we put it behind us and just going through the tape and just look how sluggish and how bad it looked on tape, like I said, just reflecting on last offseason, it kind of played a big role in that. I’ll never put nothing like that back on tape again.”

Samuel is vowing that he regains the form from that ’21 season that made him one of the more dominating players that year. He’s now walking into the 49ers facility with McCaffrey now preparing for his first full regular season as a 49er and Aiyuk already predicting a week ago “I’m about to take off” — indicating to reporters that he has his sights set on an even more breakout 2023 campaign.

And, the 49ers expanded on the offensive personnel — welcoming draft pick Ronnie Bell to the WR room while also adding two new tight ends in Cameron Latu and Brayden Willis.

Yet, he’s also heading into the upcoming camp season with the quarterback dilemma involving if it’s Trey Lance or Brock Purdy as QB1. Samuel not only caught passes from three different QBs (Jimmy Garoppolo was one), but Samuel ultimately had to settle for “Mr. Irrelevant” toward the end of last season.

But still, Samuel has set a high bar for himself even though he’s more action than outlining what he wants to accomplish.

“I’m not a guy that sets goals,” Samuel said. “I just go out there and let things happen.”