Trey’s time; Observations from day 1 of 49ers training camp

Here is what stood out during the 49ers’ first training camp practice. As will be the case for the first five sessions, the team was in only helmets. The first padded practice will come next week.

Trey Lance

In his first training camp practice as the 49ers starting quarterback, Lance finished 9-11. Lance didn’t try to force any throws down the field, taking what the defense gave him. 

Although Lance didn’t make any big plays with his arm, he did with his feet. Lance kept the ball on a zone read and broke off a long run around the right side to the delight of the fans in attendance.

Nate Sudfeld

Sudfeld hit all eleven attempts, including a deep ball down the left sideline to Malik Turner, who beat the coverage of Ambry Thomas. The backup showed good pocket presence to avoid pressure during team drills.

Brock Purdy

The rookie quarterback had a solid first day, hitting on four of five attempts. Purdy’s most impressive play came when he hit KeeSean Johnson to convert a third down. After play action to his right, Purdy rolled to his left and hit Johnson with an accurate throw while sprinting full speed. 

Emmanuel Moseley

The veteran cornerback was responsible for both of Trey Lance’s incompletions. On Lance’s first throw of team drills, Moseley broke up a target to Jauan Jennings, who was running an out. A few plays later, Moseley was able to break up another throw on an out from Lance to Austin Mack. 

49ers pass coverage

The 49ers pass defense was solid throughout practice. Their tight coverage at every level forced the quarterbacks repeatedly to settle for their checkdown options.

Brandon Aiyuk

After struggling early in camp last year, It was a good first day for the third-year wideout. Aiyuk caught all four balls thrown in his direction.

Expectations are high for Aiyuk, who spent the offseason working out with Trey Lance. On this day, Lance only threw one pass to Aiyuk, a short hitch to the right side. 

Tyrion Davis-Price

We finally caught a glimpse of what Davis-Price can do as a runner. The rookie showed his burst on an outside zone run to the left side.  

Trey Sermon

The second-year back looked good, showing good burst on a couple of runs between the tackles and catching a pass from Nate Sudfeld. 

Elijah Mitchell

Working with the starters, Mitchell looked like he’d added some bulk this offseason. The added weight does not appear to be slowing him down at all. Mitchell had several nice runs to go along with a reception from Lance. With all his downfield targets covered, Lance found Mitchell in the right flat and hit him for a nice gain.

Jason Poe

Hassan Ridgeway beat the undrafted rookie free agent in pass protection. Ridgeway got off the ball first, and the rookie could barely get a hand on the veteran. This play would have been a for sure sack under game conditions.

Javon Kinlaw

Working his way back from knee surgery, Kinlaw beat Nick Bosa during a get-off drill. The 49ers will limit his reps early on as he ramps up throughout training camp.

Mike McGlinchey

The veteran right tackle participated in practice for the first time since being injured in week nine against the Arizona Cardinals. McGlinchey looks slighter this year, but his presence on day one is a solid first step in being ready for week one.

Azeez Al-Shaair

The fourth-year linebacker gave everyone a scare when he went down during a seven-on-seven period. Al-Shaair had the wind knocked out of him after he and fullback Kyle Juszczyk banged into each other. He was able to rejoin practice after only a few plays. 

Al-Shaair underwent surgery on his left elbow and knee this offseason. Today was his first action after sitting out OTAs and minicamp this offseason.

Offensive line

Kyle Shanahan mentioned yesterday there would be a competition at center during training camp. As a result, Daniel Brunskill is working in the position with the second unit. As a result of this move, rookie Spencer Burford took the first team reps at right guard on day one. 

The first unit also saw Colton McKivitz lined up at left tackle instead of Trent Williams, who did not practice today, while Jaylon Moore stepped in at right tackle for McGlinchey. 

This group has a good mix of talent, allowing for several options. Expect a lot of movement among this group, especially during the early portion of camp.

Deebo Samuel

Samuel worked out on a side field today as the 49ers continue to work on putting a new contract together for their star wideout.