After Tuesday’s practice, 49ers defense coordinator Robert Saleh directed the media for the first time since Super Bowl LIV. Saleh discussed Javon Kinlaw’s acclimatization for the NFL, the competition at right-back and a number of other stories throughout the first week of training camp. Here are six takeaways from Saleh’s availability.
1. Competition at right angles
Last season, 49ers Emmanuel Moseley and Ahkello Witherspoon man saw the right corner position against Richard Sherman. After the camp, Saleh revealed that there are no guarantees that are in 2020, and it is an open competition for the starting role.
Jason Verrett is another name in the mix for the starting lineup. Last season, Verrett appeared in just one game and played four defensive snaps before being placed on Injured Reserve the following week. Verrett saw reps with the defense of the first team during Monday’s session. Saleh mentioned that he is encouraged by Verrett’s early achievements in camp and if the corner can stay healthy, is another candidate to try to win the job.
“The corner against Sherm, … we’re trying to give guys a chance to win that job,” Saleh said. “As far as Verrett is concerned, he has looked good. He looks a lot more comfortable. He looks a lot more confident. It’s just a matter of feeling back in the feeling. It’s already a for a while he was able to put together a full training camp, so he’s off to a good start. “
2. Depth at Nickel Cornerback
K’Waun Williams is coming off another standout year in his fifth season with the 49ers. The slot corner limited opposing quarterbacks to a 68.9 passer rating when they were straight and allowed just one touchdown on 70 goals in 2019. Williams missed both of the 49ers padded practices when dealing with calf density. With DJ Reed signed by the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco is thin on the nickel angle position.
The 49ers signed cornerback Jamar Taylor after a one-year deal back in July, which saw first-team reps in the absence of Williams. During his seven-year NFL career, Taylor spent time with the Miami Dolphins (2013-15), Cleveland Browns (2016-17), Arizona Cardinals (2018), Denver Broncos (2018), Seattle Seahawks (2019) and Atlanta Falcons (2019). ). Saleh is of the opinion that his experience through a number of schemes could benefit the 49ers in advance.
“Happy Jamar is here. Losing DJ Reed just hurt because of all the flexibility and versatility he had for us,” Saleh said. “But Jamar, he made a play in practice today, he has seen it a few times from our offense and he played the play. Was not making his play, but he still made the play just because he did it. has seen so much.With those veterans who have experience understanding football, they do not teach the basics of football.You try to teach them to a level 301 or 401. He is very smart.He has been reliable “He’s working his tail off and he’s off to a pretty good start, too.”
Early impressions of Javon Kinlaw
Early camp reports have highlighted Javon Kinlaw’s transition from college to the Pros. In a self-scouting report, the 6-foot-5, 319-pound defensive approach revealed a need for continuous improvement through each of the 49ers training camp practices. Guard Laken Tomlinson has provided a welcome challenge for the rookie as the two have fought in a number of head-to-head drills and full-team work. Saleh believes the rookie will continue to adapt to the speed of the NFL with the help of the 49ers empowered of talent along the defensive line.
“Like any rookie, it’s just a different feeling when you get on the practice field, especially when you’re facing an offense like the one of us that moves at such a fast pace, that you run like a defensive line,” sei Saleh. “It’s not a power game you have to play, it’s more of a speed game. For him, he’s like any rookie. It’s the fourth day of camp. Legs are probably getting a little heavier, but we’m excited to have him. He left in ‘ “the first ten days he sees a lot of explosive movements through individual driller and he is a very big man, a very powerful man. He just has to keep grinding and leaning on the veterans in that room and keep getting better every day.”
