San Francisco could have up to eight new headlines this season after its recent personnel movements
In previous years, the San Francisco 49ers They arrived at the training camp with one of the deepest templates of the NFL, full of consolidated stars that left few opportunities for rookies to contribute.
That is far from being the case this year, since San Francisco restructured its template in the low season. With younger ones on their squad, the Rookies will have the greatest possibility to compete since 2019when draft selections such as Nick Bosa, Debo Samuel and Dre Greenlaw helped Niners to get to the Super Bowl.
This is especially true on the defensive, where at least five rookies are in the contest to be headlines in a unit that was completely renewed in the low season.
“There is the possibility that we have six new headlines. There is the possibility that we have eightwe will see how it develops, “said Chief coach Kyle Shanahan, referring to the rookies, additions of the low season and ancient alternates.
Los 49ers They have had only four rookies as headlines in the first season game in the last five years, tied with the fifth minor amount of the League in that period. This year they could have five with the first round Mykel Williams and his teammates also selected in this year's Draft Alfred Collins, CJ West, Nick Martin and Upton Stout, all in the contest.
Los Niners They have aligned at least three rookies in an opening season of the season only five times since the fusion of the NFL-AFL, the last time was in 2006 when Vernon Davis, Manny Lawson and Melvin Oliver began the game. It also happened three times with Bill Walsh in the 1980s.
It is also a challenge for a body of coaches that includes a new defensive coordinator. Robert Saleh returned after a period as coach of the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024.
“With youth, the challenge is that a veteran never makes mistakes, but sometimes they can be a slower step,” said Saleh. “They are not running that time of 40 yards that ran in the talent team, right? Where a rookie is going to make many mistakes, but it is fast and explosive. Then, the trick is, how fast can you get to play as a veteran while it is still close to its time of the 40 yards that ran in the talent team?”
Saleh said that although his scheme is not too complex, he may need to simplify some things initially to help young players acclimatize.
The problem is that rival offensives will not do the same and will wait to confuse rookies who are not accustomed to dealing with NFL offensives.
To the 49ers They liked what they have seen so far, with young players being attentive to meetings and knowing their assignments in the field.
Shanahan said they have brought the necessary energy since the low season and veterans have been impressed.
“I like the group,” Bosa said. “I think we have a lot of talent. I think that when you look at the countryside, you see impressive bodies, which is something good. Obviously, we are young, but I think just because nobody knows them now, if they play a couple of good games, then everyone will meet them. It will be exciting.”
