The San Francisco 49ers won their first preseason game on Friday, defeating the Green Bay Packers 28-21, with several starters sitting out of the game, which allowed some younger players to see extended playing time.
With that said, let's highlight five 49ers that impressed on the field during Friday's game.
1. CB Samuel Womack
The fifth-round rookie out of Toledo had himself a fantastic game, recording two interceptions on the day while playing with the second-team defense primarily.
Womack is slowly playing himself into the favorite to start for the 49ers as the slot cornerback come Week 1, showcasing his coverage ability, length, and speed on Friday night.
During the final practices of training camp, Womack had seen time with the first-team defense in the slot, before moving back to the second-team defense on the final day of camp.
What impressed me most about Womack was not his ability in coverage, but his mindset while defending the run.
On a rushing play, Womack filled in his gap, utilizing his speed to beat his blocker into the backfield, forcing the Green Bay Packers running back to cut the rush back inside for zero gain.
If Womack can be a support in defending the run and as a blitzer as well, he should be a mainstay at the slot corner position for the 49ers.
2. DE Kemoko Turay
Defensive end Kemoko Turay continues to have a strong month, as he flashed during his time on the field on Friday.
After seeing success as a pass-rusher during training camp, including a 5-sack day, Turay showcased his ability defending the run, recording three stops for short gains, while also filling his gaps on other plays.
Despite being a newer addition in a deep defensive line group, Turay's multi-faceted ability should get him early playing time, especially if he continues to play at his current level.
3. QB Trey Lance
How could I not include quarterback Trey Lance?
Lance completed 4/5 passes for 92 yards and a touchdown on Friday, including a deep 76-yard pass to Danny Gray, in stride down the left sideline, for a touchdown.
Lance exhibited good pocket presence, stepping up in the pocket on multiple throws, including the play which ultimately resulted in a scramble for an 8-yard gain.
On the run, Lance stepped up in the pocket, looked to throw and then took off after no receivers were open downfield.
Lance's lone incompletion came on an out route to Danny Gray. Lance uncorked a bullet towards the sideline, but the throw was just a tad wide and Gray was unable to remain inbounds on the play.
Overall, it was a great start to the season for Lance, who only played 11 snaps and is not expected to play during this weekend's battle against the Minnesota Vikings, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.
4. LB Marcelino McCrary-Ball
McCrary-Ball was everywhere on the field on Friday, recording an interception off a deflected pass, while also having four tackles on the day.
The undrafted free agent out of Indiana started for the 49ers alongside Oren Burks and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, with the top three linebackers all resting for the game.
McCrary-Ball's speed and aggressiveness were on display and the Indiana product possesses the traits that the 49ers covet with their linebackers.
Currently, McCrary-Ball's a prime practice squad candidate, but could even inch himself towards making the 53-man roster, as he himself declared, if the 49ers prefer him to Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles.
One thing to note: last season the 49ers traded undrafted free agent linebacker Jonas Griffith, a camp standout, to the Denver Broncos in return for a 6th round draft pick. If the team isn't confident in their ability to retain McCrary-Ball on the practice squad, and aren't ready to keep him on the 53-man roster, that option remains a viable possibility.
5. RB Jordan Mason
The undrafted free agent out of Georgia Tech only entered Friday's game during the fourth quarter, but Mason showcased the traits that had people talking about him during camp.
Mason rushed with speed and physicality, showcasing his ability to hit the hole and get yards after contact, en route to his six-carry, 30-yard performance.
It's unclear whether Mason will receive enough carries during the preseason to warrant a spot on the 53-man roster, but the talent is definitely there.
The battle for that fourth running back spot between Mason, JaMycal Hasty, and Jeff Wilson Jr. will be one to watch as the preseason continues.
