49ers rookies vie for roles as preseason approaches

San Francisco is assessing its 2024 rookie class after ten training-camp sessions, with a joint practice against the Tennessee Titans scheduled for Tuesday and a preseason game on Thursday. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said the team wants its young players to play confidently, quickly and within their assignments.

Second-round pick De’Zhaun Stribling, despite a brief hamstring issue, has impressed coaches with his catching ability, hauling three passes from quarterback Brock Purdy, including a deep ball on the right sideline. He is expected to see most of his snaps in the slot, a role opened up by Christian Kirk’s calf injury.

Fifth-round linebacker Jaden Dugger has emerged as a versatile defensive prospect, rotating through middle, weak-side and a hybrid “fever” position that can shift between linebacker, nickel corner and edge rusher, reflecting defensive coordinator Raheem Morris’s emphasis on flexibility.

Other notable rookies include fourth-round defensive tackle Gracen Halton, who recovered from an early knee injury and is performing well in both one-on-one and 11-on-11 drills, and undrafted defensive linemen Bryson Eason and James Thompson III, both praised by defensive line coach Kris Kocurek for their size and tape.

The rookie group also features wide receiver Will Pauling, described by receivers coach Leonard Hankerson as the most physical receiver in camp, and guard/center Carver Willis, who returned from a concussion and is being evaluated at both guard spots and center.

The upcoming practice and preseason game will provide a further look at how these newcomers fit into the 49ers’ roster as the regular season approaches.