Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay took time out of his Wednesday schedule to speak with Bay Area reporters via a conference call. He was asked his thoughts on three 49ers players, tight end George Kittle, quarterback Nick Mullens, and linebacker Elijah Lee.
Here is what he had to say about each player.
McVay on Kittle:
"His production speaks for itself. He's an incredible player. I was really impressed with George last year with some of the things he was able to do. I know he stayed healthier this year, but he can really do everything. I think the system accentuates his skillset. He can run after the catch. Some of the plays that he's making where he's catching the ball underneath and this his ability to create afterward where he shows the long speed is, frankly, incredible. He's got great, aggressive hands. He's competing in line. He's doing everything. He's certainly earned that Pro Bowl invitation, and he's a guy we've got to be aware of, for sure."
McVay on Mullens:
"I think he's a great competitor. I'm really impressed with just his ability to not watch the rush. He had a couple of plays the other day even where (Khalil) Mack's coming right into his face and he finds a way to hit the back and be ing able to get that ball to (Jeff) Wilson for a nine-yard gain. He's moving off-schedule. He hits Kittle down the field. I think he's got a nice command when things are clean. He's got nice rhythm and timing with the way he gets the ball out. He looks like he throws a nice catchable ball, and seems like a pretty fearless competitor, as well. I think he's done a really nice job. You can see why they've had a lot of success offensively with him leading the way."
McVay on undrafted quarterbacks, like Mullens, who go under the radar:
"I think there's always those kinds of guys that go under the radar. I think it's a great combination of a guy who is a great competitor, has done a really nice job with the opportunity. And then I think he's in a great situation of being able to play for Kyle (Shanahan), who does as good a job as anyone putting a quarterback in good spots to have success, understanding defensive structures to get guys open. I think it's a good marriage where he's done a really good job delivering on his opportunities, and then being with a coach like Kyle certainly helps your chance for success, as well."
McVay on Lee replacing Reuben Foster:
"I thought he's done a nice job. He seems like he's got a pretty good comfort level with some of the things that (defensive coordinator) Robert Saleh is asking him to do in the system. He and (Fred) Warner have a nice dynamic. He's kind of just a Steady Eddie player that you notice him and he's consistently in the right spot, and I think he's done a nice job."