Maiocco’s 49ers camp observations: Bryant shines in Bosa’s absence

SANTA CLARA — Quarterback Sam Darnold had not thrown an interception and rookie safety Ji'Ayir Brown had not been around the ball much through 10 practices at 49ers training camp. All that changed on Tuesday with one play. Brown, whom the 49ers selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the No. 87 overall pick, ranged from the middle of the field to the deep left sideline to make a leaping interception. Darnold saw his streak of 82 pass attempts during camp without an interception come to an end on his deep pass intended for Ray-Ray McCloud. Darnold is competing with Trey Lance for the No. 2 job behind starter Brock Purdy in training camp. Interceptions plagued Darnold in his first five NFL seasons. He threw 55 picks in 56 games (55 starts) with the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers. Ward battles top WRs The best one-on-one matchup throughout camp has featured the 49ers' top cornerback, Charvarius Ward, against either Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel. The matchup started during one-on-one drills when Aiyuk gained no separation from Ward on a deep route down the left sideline but still managed to haul in the contested catch. The competition carried over into team...