Darrell Jackson to 49ers finalized

When Drake Jackson stepped up to the podium after Wednesday's practice, there was something different about the San Francisco 49ers' second-year defensive end. He was bulkier, thanks to a lot of offseason work. "Drake has been here all summer, working out—all spring, rather—doing the things that he needs to do to improve his game," defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said earlier this month. "He's gained a lot of weight. He's in there with [defensive line coach Kris] Kocurek, and I'm just excited to see exactly what he's going to do and how he's going to progress in his second year." What are Jackson's expectations for his sophomore

Drake Jackson looks better prepared for his sophomore NFL season, both physically and mentally. The San Francisco 49ers defensive end spoke with reporters this week, and reports of his added bulk were visually confirmed. He estimates he has gained about 13 pounds since last season, and the work continues. His defensive line coach, Kris Kocurek, believes the added weight and better preparation will help Jackson last through the rigors of an NFL season. The coach has seen "significant strength gain" in his young defender. Jackson was inactive for six of the 49ers' final eight games last season, including each of the team's three playoff contests. Being forced to watch from

There is no tougher task for a defensive lineman than going against San Francisco 49ers tackle Trent Williams, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time first-team All-Pro. Luckily for 49ers defenders, Williams sat out much of this week's mandatory minicamp. That will change once the rigors of training camp begin at the end of next month. Observing from the sideline has allowed Williams to evaluate the 49ers' prized offseason addition, defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. What are the offensive lineman's early impressions? "I hadn't seen him play (this offseason), but we got enough of him back in [the NFC Championship Game]," Williams told reporters on Wednesday. "But we know what he can do, and I was ecstatic that we ain't got to see him on the other sideline again.

The 49ers ended their offseason workout program on Wednesday with their final session of mandatory minicamp. But before they made their way out the door for the summer, the team gave fans and reporters one last dose of info in the form of the final media sessions of the spring. Among those speaking to reporters on Wednesday were defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, left tackle Trent Williams and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, as well as defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. Each session produced some interesting tidbits, which we'll review in this version of 49ers notebook. Hargrave speaks Despite being the splash free agent addition of the offseason for the 49ers, Javon Hargrave had not met with the team's beat reporters in person before Wednesday.