May 17 OTA News Roundup: Jimmie Ward starts at CB, other notes

The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their first day of organized team activities (OTAs) today. There is no live contact permitted during OTAs. 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills with helmets are permitted, but cannot exceed six hours per day with a maximum of two hours on the field for any one player.

The following are some interesting observations from team beat writers.

QB Colin Kaepernick has not yet been cleared to practice with the team. However, he was out on the practice field going through the motions, per Mindi Bach of CSN Bay Area.

Earlier today, head coach Chip Kelly stated that Kaepernick has not fallen behind in the quarterback competition. "It's not a race. Today is the first time we're going against the defense," he said. When asked if he felt pressure to name a day one starter, Kelly said, "I'll let it happen organically."

Ryan Sakamoto of NinerFans.com seemed impressed with former fullback Bruce Miller at tight end, saying that he "looks like the real deal."

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reported that WR Devon Cajuste, who signed as an undrafted free agent, walked off the practice field early with a right leg injury. WR Quinton Patton also possibly suffered a minor knee injury.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee reports that practice looks "fast-paced as advertised," perhaps with some players adapting better to the learning curve than others.

Multiple beat writers stated that DB Jimmie Ward started at corner opposite Tramaine Brock in base defense and moved to the slot position in nickel defenses. A really interesting note considering that it was stated that Ward would get a lot of work at safety. Ward has played only 11 snaps at outside corner during his two years in the NFL, per Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus.

Barrows also observed that Tank Carradine looked good at outside linebacker. That is an interesting observation considering he was touted as an edge rusher.

Cam Inman of Bay Area News Group stated that the 49ers starting offensive line was made up of Joe Staley, Zane Beadles, Daniel Kilgore, Brandon Thomas, and Eric Pears. OG Joshua Garnett, who has not yet graduated from Stanford, is absent from OTAs.

Inman also observed that LB Gerald Hodges worked primarily along side NaVorro Bowman inside. Michael Wilhoite practiced with the second team. Both Aaron Lynch and Eli Harold spent time working with the first team defense. Ahmad Brooks spent the day conditioning, per Chris Biderman of Niners Wire.

First-round draft pick, DE DeForest Buckner, lined up with the 49ers third-team defense during practice, per Cam Inman.