49ers appear to have job openings among NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense
Deommodore Lenoir was among several players now competing at nickel back with Isaiah Oliver ahead of 49ers’ preseason game Saturday vs. Broncos
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Beyond the big question of whether Nick Bosa shows up with a record extension before the Sept. 10 season opener, the 49ers’ defense is riddled with mystery.
The door is open for a few surprises, but no open position will come with full-time defense work. Any position on the 49ers’ initial 53-man roster, which is due Aug. 29, should be coveted.
“Everyone is still fighting for certain positions,” defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said following Tuesday’s high-energy practice.
Over the final two preseason games, keep an eye out for potential backdoor roster additions:
BACK TO NICKEL
As coach Kyle Shanahan stated on Monday, Isaiah Oliver “isn’t a guaranteed starter,” so it wasn’t surprising to see several players rotate at nickel back in Tuesday’s practice.
“To be honest, it’s a Rolodex of players,” Wilks said. “We brought in (rookie D’Shawn) Jamison.” We put Demo (Lenoir) inside on some reps, and A.J. has been doing an excellent job. We’re trying to find the right balance. We enjoy competition.”
Lenoir has been firmly established as the starting outside cornerback, but Wilks gave him a chance to play nickel against Brock Purdy and the first-team offense.
“He got back there today and it was like he’d been playing nickel all offseason,” Wilks said of Lenoir’s communication, recognition, and adjustment while also working to stop the run when necessary.
At this time last year, the 49ers released first-string nickel back Darqueze Dennard, paving the way for rookie Sam Womack III, who was fired after two games. Jimmie Ward reluctantly manned it the rest of last season, and when he left in free agency for the Houston Texans, the 49ers hired Oliver, whose $2.9 million signing bonus still makes him a safe bet to make the team. In Tuesday’s practice, Oliver also saw time with the first-team defense, and Wilks stated that he wants more consistency from all defenders.
Womack and Ambry Thomas have been the team’s second-string outside cornerbacks in camp, and both have improved their stock, most notably with their tackling in Sunday’s 34-7 preseason loss in Las Vegas. On this week’s depth chart, Parker and Qwuantrezz Knight are listed behind Oliver.
Lenoir could start on the outside, then move inside as the nickel back while the 49ers bring in Womack or Thomas to replace Charvarius Ward on the outside.
POWERFUL LINEBACKER
Because Oren Burks sprained his knee (posterior cruciate ligament) in a collision with Raiders star Davante Adams on Friday, competition for the honor of serving alongside Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw will heat up. Burks’ position as the No. 3 linebacker is far from secure.
Jalen Graham, the ninth and final pick in this year’s draft, has raised some eyebrows. He had the second-most defensive snaps (37) on Sunday, and “he showed up,” Wilks said. Can he beat out incumbents like Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, Curtis Robinson, and Marcelino McCrary-Ball?
“With O.B. out, it allows other guys to step up and make plays,” Wilks said, adding that rookie Dee Winters “flashed” in his NFL debut as well.
ACE SPECIAL TEAMS
George Odum’s shoulder sprain (near his collarbone) allows him to practice but prevents him from making contact until Week 1. Odum led the NFL in special-teams tackles with 15 last season and was having a strong camp. The 49ers can’t be eager to get rid of him. Any temporary replacement must also shine on special teams.
Odum is also a viable option at safety, where Talanoa Hufanga, Tashaun Gipson Sr., and Ji’Ayir Brown hold down three spots. Now is the time for Knight and Tayler Hawkins to go beyond their practice-squad potential, and Wilks named both of them among his favorites. Hawkins has impressed with his progress since the spring, and Knight is versatile enough to play multiple positions.
DEFENSIVE ATTACK
A four-man interior rotation could include Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, Kevin Givens, and Javon Kinlaw. The latter two took the field on Sunday and did not fare well against the Raiders (no one did, of course). Marlon Davidson, who joined Wilks from Carolina, had three tackles. During Tuesday’s practice, T.Y. McGill made a couple of big run stops.
Given that all of the projected Week 1 starters sat out — 31 players in total — anyone who played may be in jeopardy on the roster.
With career-best health, Kinlaw has excelled in offseason workouts. Production in practice and games will determine how long the 49ers will keep the 14th overall pick in 2020. The same can be said for Trey Lance, the No. 3 pick in 2021, who is competing for a backup quarterback spot with Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen.
NOTICES FOR PRACTICE
REVIEW OF THE QUARTERBACK
Purdy returned to action after missing Sunday’s game and completed 16-of-20 passes, one of which Talanoa Hufanga intercepted for a potential pick-6. Sam Darnold started as the backup quarterback, and his highlight on a 5-of-6 day was a 40-yard pass to Danny Gray, who returned from a tight hip last week. Trey Lance finished 4-of-7 with a scramble and an overthrow of Ronnie Bell. Brandon Allen was excused from practice and will fly to Florida after Sunday’s game to give birth to his second child.
JAKE MOODY RETURNS
Rookie kicker Jake Moody made 5-of-6 field-goal attempts in practice, rebounding from his two field-goal attempts on Sunday. Moody converted from 59, 34, 56, 53, and 43 yards on Tuesday, with his only miss coming from 61 yards wide left.
THE HEALTH CENTER
Drake Jackson and Robert Beal returned to practice, and the latter put pressure on Lance on his overthrow to Bell. Trent Williams, the left tackle, practiced despite an ankle injury. Tight end George Kittle (groin), running back Elijah Mitchell (groin), and linebacker Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) all worked out on the sideline. … “I felt like I was comfortable, and that was a goal of mine,” Bell said of his debut on Sunday. When you turn on the film and look for assignment and alignment, I felt at ease and like I was doing the right thing. I thought I did a good job squaring up the ball and making a clean catch as a punt returner. “However, I could have done better.”
