Among other considerations such as offensive line and secondary depth, the most shocking news in 49ers camp is the recent revelation of coach Kyle Shanahan's involvement in a serious auto accident in which he sustained numerous injuries and is expected to be sidelined from his coaching duties temporarily.
As the 49ers progress to their first preseason game on August 13th, the position battles for backup running back and rotational safety (among others) will work themselves out, while rookies like De'Zhaun Stribling, Kaelon Black, and Romello Height are expected to play and produce early and often. The expectations of players in their sophomore season could be an underrated key to future success this year.
Here are five second-year 49ers players to watch in 2026.
WR Jordan Watkins
Essentially a redshirt rookie season for Jordan Watkins, limited to four games and two receptions in 2025. Coming out of Ole Miss and drafted in the fourth round, Watkins possesses speed and big-play ability as his 4.37-second 40-time and 18 touchdowns in five collegiate seasons would indicate.
He needs to refine short to intermediate routes and gain more experience on offense to potentially develop chemistry with Brock Purdy in the future.
The 49ers' top four at receiver are locked in, although Pearsall's knee swelling is a temporary setback. It looks as though Watkins will be competing to beat out Jacob Cowing for special team depth or spot starts if necessary, depending on injuries.
OL Connor Colby
The only offensive lineman selected in 2025, Connor Colby appeared in 13 games while starting six. The analytics noted that his pass protection was subpar at best, but the versatility, lateral movement, and run-blocking abilities impressed.
The 49ers signed Robert Jones in the offseason as competition against Colby for the starting left guard job. The fact that Colby was deemed a project prospect, which then developed into a consistent starter, may be the determining factor for Colby to continue as the starting left guard.
DE Mykel Williams
The former 11th overall pick had his season cut short in Week 9 due to a torn ACL. Prior to the injury, the impact plays from Mykel Williams were non-existent (one sack and one fumble recovery). Williams needs to regain his first step and alter his pass rush to post more pressures and sacks, but still sets the edge effectively, funneling backs between the tackles.
He is still a physical specimen, considering his measurables (6'5", 265 lbs.).
CB Upton Stout
Upton Stout competed for the nickel back role and is now entrenched as the starter for 2026. He supported the run and tackled with consistency while also showing a propensity for blitzing, registering 10 quarterback pressures.
Stout did not record an interception, and just five pass breakups indicate an improvement is needed on ball skills. His coverage on speedy slot receivers, especially against division opponents, will be crucial to the success of the secondary.
RB Jordan James
The rib fracture sustained during Monday's practice is troubling. Coming into the season, Jordan James is slated as Christian McCaffrey's primary backup, but rookie Kaelon Black will get an opportunity. Similar to Jordan Watkins, last season was a developmental redshirt year for James, but he did post 28 yards on six carries in mop-up duty at the end of the playoff loss to Seattle.
James has the vision, toughness, and patience to be an effective downhill runner, but catching passes out of the backfield and blocking are next in James's maturation.
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