49ers may show interest in WR Javon Walker

Last week, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans identified three things defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw needed to work on in preparation for his third NFL season: technique, technique, technique. Kinlaw is returning after undergoing season-ending reconstructive surgery to repair his ACL last year. To this point, the former No. 14 overall pick's contributions have been underwhelming. That could change in 2022, though. Kinlaw has put in the work during his recover, and as the 49ers ramp up his training camp workload, many feel that the defender could be on the cusp of becoming a dominant force for the defensive front. "I think Javon, he's

The 49ers are just three days away from their preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers (8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT, Friday), a game that will give 49ers fans the chance to see a number of their team's players in on-field action for the first time. Two particular newcomers of interest to keep an eye on Friday night will be offensive lineman Spencer Burford and wide receiver/return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud. Burford is progressing towards starting as a rookie at right guard after being selected by the 49ers in Round 4 of the 2022 NFL Draft, while McCloud will be making his 49ers preseason debut after signing with the team as a free agent in the offseason. McCloud is expected to be the primary return specialist for the 49ers this season, but there's a chance he could also

The San Francisco 49ers released an "unofficial" depth chart before today's practice. Head coach Kyle Shanahan shared that people probably shouldn't read too much into it because not much thought goes into it. The 49ers Communications staff compiles it, not the coaching staff, so Shanahan may not have even seen it. Jake Brendel is competing with Daniel Brunskill for the starting center job. So why is Brendel listed as the starter? "Because we had to put one there," Shanahan explained. One other position group stood out. With Lance solidified as the starting quarterback, the depth chart lists Nate Sudfeld and Brock Purdy behind him. Fourth on the list,

Once drafted, rookies have an uphill battle to become a starter. Usually, first and second-round picks are a lock to start, but with the San Francisco 49ers, that hasn't necessarily been the case unless your name is Nick Bosa (first-round pick, 2019) or Deebo Samuel (second-round pick, 2019). In 2020, the 49ers selected two first-round picks, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and their time was limited as rookies. Aiyuk became a starter due to injuries in the wide receivers room, and in 2021, his role was diminished when he started the season in head coach Kyle Shanahan's dog house, and he could barely crack the starting lineup. Kinlaw was considered the replacement for DeForest Buckner, but he couldn't stay on the field during his rookie and