The San Francisco 49ers have started OTAs (organized team activities), and there's finally actual football to discuss. It may not be like training camp, but it's close enough. And training camp isn't too far away.
We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag to see what was on your mind this offseason. Thank you for the great questions. Let's take a look.
How much do you expect Kaelon Black to contribute as a rookie? - Dave B.
I certainly expect Kaelon Black to contribute as a rookie on special teams. He is likely part of the competition for kick-off return duties. And if he can beat out Jordan James, he will see a lot of action as the number-two running back. I believe Black has a strong skill set as a receiver out of the backfield, and that, along with his ability in pass protection, will help him get on the field as a rookie.
How much will he play? That may depend on the health of Christian McCaffrey and how serious Kyle Shanahan is about taking some of the load off his RB1.
Given 4 years of huge draft failures, are the 9ers freeing cap space for veteran signings? Could there be deals agreed waiting for the end of OTAs? - Mickey W.
The 49ers may make some additional free agent signings, but I don't expect any big names, unless they grab an edge rusher like Joey Bosa. I believe the reason they are creating so much cap space is to roll it over into 2027, where they will be near the bottom in cap space. I don't believe it's for some massive move they will make in 2026.
So, I wouldn't expect the big, splashy signings after OTAs. Any players they sign will likely be backup/depth pieces. But we could see them sign someone like Bosa. Still, I would expect that to be closer to training camp.
I'm curious to see the formations they will use for rushing the passer. Do you see them using Height more as a stand-up pass rusher mostly? I'm also hoping they use Cruz in an unconventional role, OT/TE. What do you think? Let's use it as athleticism. - Lowbridge
Raheem Morris has used an edge rusher in the past like this. He would mostly blitz them, and sometimes he would have them drop into coverage. It will be fun to watch how he deploys Romello Height.
As far as Enrique Cruz, he will have a difficult time making the team. He is an athletic tackle, but it's still going to be an uphill climb for him. I like the "outside the box" thinking about putting Cruz in an unconventional tackle/tight end role, though. I hope he makes the team, but I think the practice squad is more likely.
Now that some time has passed, do you see any real star potential in any of the rookies? I think Stribling and Height could be eventual starters, and the more I hear about Black, he might be a steal! - Andy G.
It's obviously too early to know that before any of them play in a real game. But I do agree with the three names you threw out. I would also add Gracen Halton to that list. He's a disruptor on the inside of the defensive line. Maybe he'll never be a star, but he has strong potential to be a very good rotational piece and perhaps an eventual starter.
De'Zhaun Stribling is oozing with potential. So I would say he has the best chance of becoming a star. He will undoubtedly become a starter at some point.
If he doesn't have a strong camp, is Jacob Cowing on the outside looking in? - Sasha R.
Yes, but the thing Jacob Cowing has going for him is his experience as a punt returner. If he wins that job, he has an excellent chance of making the roster. Cowing didn't show much as a wide receiver two seasons ago, but rookies rarely do in Shanahan's offense. And he missed last season with an injury. But if he's learned the position and is healthy, the third-year wideout has an excellent opportunity.
Last season, before his injury, he looked good. The early reports from the 2026 OTAs sound the same. Now, if he can just stay healthy.
Are they going to have a pass rush this year? Have they learned how to tackle? Will the defense be as bad as it was last season? I'm not concerned about the offense. The defense has been this team's problem for at least a decade, so it would be nice to have a sack monster on this team because I think Bosa may have 6-8 sacks this season, which is not worth 32 million per season. - John G.
This is a lot to unpack, but let me try.
- Are they going to have a pass rush this year? The 49ers hope their pass rush is improved. And they need it to be, especially with some question marks in the secondary. Height will help some, but the biggest boost may come from inside via Osa Odighizuwa. I expect the pass rush to be better than it was a year ago, when they were last in the league in sacks.
- Have they learned how to tackle? Having Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw back will help.
- Will the defense be as bad as it was last season? I'm confident the 49ers defense will be better in 2026 than it was in 2025. For one thing, Warner and Nick Bosa will be back on the field. Also, Greenlaw is back. Alfred Collins, C.J. West, and Upton Stout are no longer rookies. They should be better. Malik Mustapha is another year removed from his knee injury. I expect him to be better than he was a year ago. If they can get anything out of Nick Martin, that could be a boost. And if Marquis Sigle can beat out Ji'Ayir Brown, that would help. And as I mentioned already, the addition of Odighizuwa should give the defense a boost.
If two spots are open, who makes it between Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins, and Demarcus Robinson? - Dave B.
Demarcus Robinson is making the team. I'd be surprised if he doesn't. That leaves Cowing and second-year WR Jordan Watkins. So, who is the odd man out?
I tend to lean toward Watkins making it over Cowing, but punt return could be the deciding factor. At this point, it's anyone's guess. I just have a hard time seeing the 49ers move on from Watkins only a year after drafting him.
Who do you think will take the LG spot this year? And do you think either Colby or Willis will be starters down the line? - Andy G.
There are some who believe Connor Colby has the upper hand. He's been in the system for a year and reportedly has a much better grasp on things. Personally, I think Robert Jones should have the upper hand. He's new to the team, but he has a lot more experience than Colby or the rookie Carver Willis. Jones started 17 games last season in Miami, and he's started 30 games in his career.
And let's not forget. Brett Toth, another veteran. He's probably not going to win the job, considering he has started only six games in five NFL seasons. But he is a veteran who figures to be part of the competition.
I wouldn't pencil in any of them yet, especially Willis. But the rookie may end up being the starter at some point. It likely won't be early on, though.
Matt Maiocco recently wouldn't dismiss the possibility of Mac Jones returning in 2027. What are the realistic chances? - David B.
I'd say slim, but if there's not much of a market for him next season, Mac Jones could be back in 2027. I think it's more likely he gets traded before the start of the regular season than it is he returns next year. But stranger things have happened. We know Shanahan likes Jones a lot.
I predict Jones will be somewhere else next season, unless he's decided he doesn't want to be a starting quarterback. But I wouldn't count on that, especially for a guy as competitive as he is.
With summer grilling season upon us prior to 49ers training camp, what's your go-to between a burger, sausage, or hot dog? And what condiment is an absolute no-no on any of these? - Ed H.
Definitely a hamburger. I'm ok with a good hot dog, but I'll take a burger almost every time. And keep the mayonnaise away from my hamburger. Nasty stuff!
That's all we have for this edition of the 49ers Webzone Mailbag. We'll be back with a new one later in the offseason.
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