In the final preseason game, while I was most interested in the interior of the offensive line, the competition among numerous position groups was on full display. How much various players played (or did not play) was telling.
Let's take a look at some of those position groups.
Offensive line
The interior was made up of Carver Willis at left guard, Drake Nugent at center, and Connor Colby at right guard. All three played solid football. Nugent has played a lot of snaps this preseason, and it looked like he would be the primary backup to starter Jake Brendal.
Guard is a little tricky because starting right guard Dominick Puni is out, and both Willis and Colby played fairly well. Robert Jones is out with an injury, and the extent of that will affect head coach Kyle Shanahan's decision. From what I saw, however, Colby or Willis would be measured about the same. Both will make the team, though.
Nick Zakalj came in for Willis at left guard in the second half and then moved to right guard for Colby in the 4th quarter, with Willis returning to the left side.
Willis and Colby performed well enough that one can see talent that could be developed. The problem is that they should be backups right now, but one may well start. And do not be surprised if general manager John Lynch signs someone to compete for that position.
Rookie Enrique Cruz Jr. and journeyman Brandon Parker started at tackle, and Cruz was more impressive. Parker got pushed around on some short-yardage plays, blown up on a quarterback sneak. I expect Vederian Lowe to be the starting swing tackle, and Cruz will make the practice squad.
Running back
Kaelon Black got the start and ran effectively, even with average blocking. Although he had only four carries, he showed power and burst.
It was good to see Jordan James get some playing time, and he looked very good. He seems shiftier than Black but not as powerful (though neither is lacking in either area). James is a more experienced pass catcher, but Black will probably be the No. 2 to start the season, with James the No. 3.
What is noteworthy is that both looked so good that one has to wonder if Sincere McCormick or Khalil Herbert will make the final roster. That will come down to how many backs Shanahan keeps. If he goes with only three, McCormick should make the practice squad.
Pass catchers
Perhaps of significance was that Demarcus Robinson did not play. That tells me Shanahan has decided he will make the roster.
Jordan Watkins and Malik Turner got the start, and Watkins was targeted three times in the first half. He had some difficulty creating separation, but had a more productive second half, though that was against backups. Watkins also fielded punts but was unremarkable in that role.
Because of his youth and potential, Watkins' performance may spell trouble for Christian Kirk, who has been injured throughout camp. One of John Lynch's most noteworthy offseason additions, it is possible the Niners will put him on the PUP list to start the season.
One player who jumped out was tight end Hayden Rucci. He blocked well and got open, fighting for every yard. He showed tremendous effort to score a touchdown in the 3rd quarter, but it was called back due to a bogus low block call on Jordan James. I hope Rucci makes the practice squad.
Defensive line
The interior defensive line featured some starters and main backups, but Alfred Collins and CJ West did not perform well. At the start of the game, the entire defensive line was pushed around, as Las Vegas went on a nearly 9-minute drive that ended in a field goal. James Thompson was frequently manhandled.
There were a few flashes, like Keion White getting a sack, but overall, the defensive line, both inside and outside, was underwhelming.
Linebackers
Tatum Bethune started at middle linebacker and played a lot. He was Fred Warner's primary backup last year, and he played as well as he did then. He will be the backup middle linebacker.
Rookie Jaden Dugger saw a lot of action and had a very inconsistent game. He whiffed badly on two tackles but made several good ones. Many, myself included, thought he was close to nailing down the No. 3 linebacker spot, but that looks questionable.
Nick Martin has played well this preseason, and Luke Gifford was productive last year. But both of them are injured, so Dugger may start the season at that position. He shows a lot of potential.
Defensive backs
None of the starters played, so this was a great opportunity for those fighting for a roster spot to show what they could do. Darrell Luter made some good tackles, as did Siran Neal and Ephesians Prysock. Both Neal and Prysock made some good plays on the ball, too. (Prysock suffered a shoulder injury, but provided it is not too serious, he will make the roster.)
It is only a few days before we learn who made the team and who didn't, but Thursday night's game also showed us some players who should make the practice squad and continue to develop.
Mentioned in this article: Tatum Bethune, Kaelon Black, Connor Colby, Alfred Collins, Enrique Cruz, Jaden Dugger, Luke Gifford, Jordan James, Christian Kirk, Vederian Lowe, Nick Martin, Sincere McCormick, Siran Neal, Drake Nugent, Ephesians Prysock, Dominick Puni, Demarcus Robinson, James Thompson, Fred Warner, Jordan Watkins, Keion White, Carver Willis
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