The San Francisco 49ers' 2025 rookie minicamp kicks off this week, a pivotal period for the organization to scrutinize its newest talent infusion and begin shaping the 53-man roster. While defensive tackle Kalia Davis is notably on the hot seat following a draft heavy on defensive linemen and his limited impact, he's far from the only veteran who will be anxiously looking over their shoulder.
The arrival of nearly a dozen draft picks and a cohort of undrafted free agents signals intensified competition across multiple positions.
Even kicker Jake Moody, though not the primary focus here, might notice the presence of Kenneth Almendares, a kicker invited for a tryout, a common NFL tactic to push incumbents or identify a practice squad option.
Here's a look at other current 49ers who could be feeling the pressure as the rookies hit the field:
On the Chopping Block: Veterans Under Pressure
Running Back: With Christian McCaffrey as the undisputed lead back, the battle for depth spots will be fierce.
- Rookies Pushing: Jordan James (drafted, Oregon), Corey Kiner (UDFA, Cincinnati)
- Veterans Potentially at Risk: Israel Abanikanda: After minimal impact, Abanikanda "will need to make this team from scratch in camp," according to Fantasy Alarm, especially as he can be released with over $1 million in cap savings and no dead money.
- Patrick Taylor Jr.: While listed as a backup on some depth charts, Taylor was initially viewed as a depth signing without guarantees of a long-term spot. The arrival of a drafted back in James and a priority UDFA in Kiner could squeeze him out.
- Rookies Pushing: Jordan Watkins (drafted, Ole Miss), Junior Bergen (drafted, Montana), Isaiah Neyor (UDFA, Nebraska)
- Veterans Potentially at Risk: Jacob Cowing: A second-year player who recorded only four catches as a rookie, Cowing must show significant development to hold off the new arrivals.
- Demarcus Robinson: A potential suspension could complicate his situation, opening the door for rookies to make an impression.
- Russell Gage & Trent Taylor: If on the roster, these veteran receivers are often displaced by younger, cheaper talent if the rookies flash potential.
Offensive Line: The 49ers added Iowa guard Connor Colby in the draft and Drew Moss from Colorado State as an UDFA, looking to bolster interior depth.
- Rookies Pushing: Connor Colby (G, Iowa), Drew Moss (OL, Colorado State)
- Veterans Potentially at Risk: Nick Zakelj: A previous draft pick who has yet to solidify a significant role, Zakelj could be vulnerable as new talent vies for backup guard and center spots.
- Other depth linemen on non-guaranteed deals like Austen Pleasants will also need a strong camp.
Defensive Line (Beyond Kalia Davis): The Niners made it clear they want to be younger and more explosive here, drafting EDGE Mykel Williams, DT Alfred Collins, and DT C.J. West, plus signing UDFA DT Sebastian Valdez and inviting DE/LB Ty French for a tryout.
- Rookies Pushing: Mykel Williams (EDGE, Georgia), Alfred Collins (DT, Texas), C.J. West (DT, Indiana), Sebastian Valdez (UDFA, Washington)
- Veterans Potentially at Risk: Drake Jackson: A former second-round pick, Jackson "faces an uphill struggle to get healthy and make a contribution" after missing last season, per NBC Sports Bay Area. The heavy investment in new defensive linemen puts him in a precarious position.
- Other depth pieces, such as Sam Okuayinonu, Robert Beal Jr., Alex Barrett, and Tarron Jackson, will face intense competition for rotational spots.
Linebacker: With Fred Warner as the anchor, the 49ers drafted Nick Martin from Oklahoma State, who is expected to compete for a starting role, and added Stone Blanton (Mississippi State) as an UDFA.
- Rookies Pushing: Nick Martin (LB, Oklahoma State), Stone Blanton (UDFA, Mississippi State)
- Veterans Potentially at Risk: Luke Gifford, Curtis Robinson, Jalen Graham, DaShaun White: These linebackers primarily compete for backup roles and special teams duties. With Martin likely slotting high on the depth chart, roster spots will be at a premium.
Cornerback: The selection of Upton Stout (Western Kentucky), projected by some to take over the nickel back role, and UDFA Jakob Robinson (BYU) will shake up the cornerback room.
- Rookies Pushing: Upton Stout (CB, Western Kentucky), Jakob Robinson (UDFA, BYU)
- Veterans Potentially at Risk: Tre Tomlinson, Tre Avery, Chase Lucas: These depth cornerbacks must impress to fend off Stout and Robinson. Even players like Darrell Luter Jr. and Siran Neal (though Neal has special-teams value) will feel the increased competition.
- Rookie Pushing: Marques Sigle (S, Kansas State)
- Veterans Potentially at Risk: Quindell Johnson, Jaylen Mahoney: These safeties are likely competing for the final spots in the defensive backfield and on special teams. Sigle's arrival adds another capable body to the mix.
- George Odum: While a core special teamer, every roster spot is earned, and strong performances from younger players could always shift priorities.
- Rookie Pushing: Bentley Hanshaw (TE, Liberty - tryout)
- Veterans Potentially at Risk: Ross Dwelley, Jake Tonges: Dwelley has been a reliable reserve but often finds himself battling for a spot. Tonges is also in a position where a strong showing from a tryout player like Hanshaw could make things interesting for a third or fourth tight end spot, should the team keep that many.
Quarterback: The drafting of Kurtis Rourke (Indiana) is more of a long-term play, especially as he is reportedly recovering from an ACL injury.
- Rookie Impact: Kurtis Rourke (QB, Indiana)
- Veteran Situation: Brock Purdy is the starter, with Mac Jones as the primary backup. Tanner Mordecai is likely competing for the QB3 role or a practice squad spot. Rourke's injury likely means he won't immediately pressure Mordecai for an active roster spot this season. Still, his presence adds to the overall talent evaluation in the quarterback room for the future.
What to Expect at Rookie Minicamp
This week's minicamp is the first opportunity for coaches to see the drafted rookies, undrafted free agents, and tryout players on the field in a 49ers practice environment.
Here's what typically unfolds:- Acclimation and Installation: Rookies will be immersed in the team's playbook, learning schemes, terminology, and the professional way of doing things. The pace will be fast, and the learning curve steep.
- Drills and Skill Evaluation: Coaches will put players through individual position drills, 7-on-7s, and possibly some limited team drills (usually non-contact or light contact). This is where raw athletic ability, technique, and football IQ are assessed.
- First Impressions: While no roster spots are won or lost solely in rookie minicamp, strong (or poor) first impressions can significantly influence a player's trajectory heading into OTAs and full training camp. Coaches will look for quick learners, hard workers, and players who flash the traits that got them drafted or signed.
- Setting the Stage for Competition: For the rookies, this is their chance to show they belong and can push the veterans. For the coaching staff, it's an early data point in the complex equation of roster construction.
The 49ers have made it clear they are focused on getting younger and more dynamic, particularly on the defensive line. This minicamp is the first proving ground for the new class and a clear signal to established players that nothing is guaranteed. The battle for roster spots has officially begun.