49ers rookies take a number: Top pick Drake Jackson dons No. 95

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

Brandon Aiyuk knows his payday will come—eventually. Some speculated that the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver might be frustrated by his contract situation. However, Aiyuk admits he was just having fun with the offseason rumors. "It's just a crazy, crazy business, so you never really know," Aiyuk told reporters after Wednesday's practice. "But I was having fun with it. I knew what's going on long before, so yeah. I didn't know what was going on at first, but I had a conversation with [general manager] John [Lynch], I had a conversation with [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan]. They told me what it was, and then from that point on, we moved forward." Aiyuk is entering his fourth NFL season and is looking to top his 78-catch, 1,015-yard, and eight-touchdown

San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead joined NFL Network's Good Morning Football on Thursday to discuss the state of the team at the start of organized team activities (OTAs). Armstead is part of a defensive line that includes NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa and added former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. The question that had to be asked: Does San Francisco own the best defensive line in football? "Well, on paper, I guess you could say that, but 'on paper' doesn't win any game," Armstead responded. "But we're excited about getting together and starting that journey of