49ers minicamp mailbag: Can Deebo Samuel catch 80 passes?
SANTA CLARA – Minicamp opened Tuesday for the 49ers, and Wednesday marks the final full-team practice until training camp next month. Here are answers to fans’ questions submitted via my Instagram story:
Which receiver looks best right now? (@kannop_24)
Dare I say Marquise Goodwin? Dante Pettis has his moments, as do Jordan Matthews, Trent Taylor and Kendrick Bourne. Rookies Deebo Samuel (hip) and Jalen Hurd (knee) are sidelined.
Which 2018 rookie has made the biggest physique change? (@brandonanaya_)
Without studying too closely, I’d note that Pettis added strength but still limber, and same with right tackle Mike McGlinchey (who’s missing minicamp after blood maintenance on his knees). Tarvarius Moore looks like a natural in his move back to free safety.
Does Jimmy G really sweat olive oil? (@4gensffanfam)
Sorry, I can’t reveal practice-field secrets. But left tackle Joe Staley can, and he’s the one who humorously slipped in the line about Garoppolo’s olive oil glands during last week’s State of the Franchise event.
Would you be surprised if Deebo Samuel caught 80 passes? (@teakwilson23)
Yes, no disrespect to him. Only eight receivers caught at least 80 passes each of the past two seasons. The rookie year is hard for any rookie, especially a wide receiver, especially in this system, especially when Kyle Shanahan wants to spread the ball around and has the running backs and All-Pro tight end to do so.
How our are DBs looking? (@freddynavarro49)
Not a lot of interceptions during media access this offseason, so a lot like last year. But there’s no true pass rush until August. Richard Sherman gave up a couple receptions Tuesday, but the key is he’s practicing, something he was restricted from doing in last offseason’s Achilles comeback.
How fast do you think Marquise Goodwin is going to run (in the June 29 “40 Yards of Gold” pay-per-view tournament against other NFL players)? (@jack_lambie)
I can’t believe he and other active players are doing it. Too much liability and money at stake in their day jobs, right? That said, I loved watching “The Superstars” obstacle-course competitions on TV in the 1970s and ’80s.
Does Solomon Thomas look like he’s progressing? (@Travisdabz)
Definitely. For example, when he lowers his stance, his chin is barely a foot off the ground. He’s faster and this new scheme looks well-suited for him, so he can cut it loose rather than read-and-react. He’s ticketed as an inside rusher but he’ll also line up some at defensive end like he has with Nick Bosa injured.
How’s Mitch Wishnowsky looking? (@d3myle)
The punter who commanded a fourth-round draft pick is making us all look, well, skyward. A few of us timed the hang time on his punts Tuesday, and some lasted over 5 seconds. He’ll likely hang some longer than that when it counts. Looks like a weapon, indeed.
Has center Weston Richburg practiced? (@tito_ruiz34)
Not yet. He’s recovering from knee and quadriceps surgery earlier this year, so Ben Garland has handled the first-team snaps.
Is cornerback Jason Verrett ready? (@d3myle)
No. The Fairfield native and former Chargers stud has yet to practice. His career is in doubt after multiple injuries, but he’ll test out his repaired Achilles in training camp and could be a starter-in-waiting. It’s Ahkello Witherspoon’s job to lose at this point.
Outside of money, any reason why unsigned rookies Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel wouldn’t be ready Week 1? (@rodrigojose831)
Yes. Injuries. Bosa has had a hamstring strain since last month’s second OTA, and Samuel has missed the past couple weeks with a hip issue. If healthy, they’ll start or see significant action.
I just want to know if the 49ers have open practices in late July? You have a great page! (@latinanutritiva)
No official word but the 49ers indeed have opened up several training camp practices under Shanahan so that should resume. Camp opens at team HQ in Santa Clara on July 26, 15 days before their exhibition opener against Dallas.