SANTA CLARA – Here’s who stood out on Day 16 of 49ers training camp. Consider that Brandon Aiyuk watched practice from the sidelines but wasn’t wearing red or any 49ers logos.
THE GOOD
1. Quarterback Brock Purdy
Had his best practice of training camp. Completed 19 of 23 throws and none were intercepted. Finally stopped throwing passes to players he would never have targeted in real games and focused on targeting his main weapons, meaning he’s figured out who he can and can’t trust. Today he targeted Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Jordan Mason, Jauan Jennings, Kyle Juszczyk, Eric Saubert and Danny Gray, who failed to catch Purdy’s last pass. Purdy should have known better than to target Gray.
2. RB Christian McCaffrey
He was back on the field for the first time since spraining his calf. During his rehab, he jogged up and down the sidelines in front of everyone. He appears to be ready for Week 1.
3. WR Deebo Samuel
He caught five passes during team drills. He hit Charvarius Ward twice, including once for a deep touchdown during 1-on-1 games. He also lined up as a running back and ran with the ball twice. He even caught a backwards pass and threw it to Jauan Jennings. Unfortunately for Deebo, his pass was 15 yards short. Still, he is a triple threat.
4. WR Jacob Cowing
Beat second-round pick Renardo Green with a slant route on 1-on-1 plays, then caught two more passes with the second offense on 11-on-1 plays. Cowing appears to be healthy for the first time this offseason, unlike Ricky Pearsall (more on him in a minute).
5. LB Dee Winters
He nearly intercepted a pass from Brandon Allen, then stopped running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn in the backfield for a two-yard loss. Winters may not always know what he’s doing, but he’s extremely fast and disruptive.
6. CB Darrell Luter Jr.
Intercepted a long pass from Tanner Mordecai (more on him in a minute). Luter has slowly but steadily improved throughout training camp and is currently playing at a high level. He should make the team and replace veteran Rock Ya-Sin.
7. FS Tracy Walker
He also intercepted a pass from Tanner Mordecai. That pass was intercepted by Ronnie Bell, who had to jump to catch it with his finger. Walker was waiting behind the play to intercept the pass.
THE NOT SO GOOD
1. QB Tanner Mordecai
Thrown three passes in team drills and was intercepted twice. I’m starting to think this guy isn’t the next Brock Purdy.
2. WR Robbie selected
He still hasn’t been targeted in team practices because he still hasn’t gotten free. It looks like he’s contributing absolutely nothing to this team.
3.WR Ricky Pearsall
Still injured. Wearing a large brace on his left shoulder. Seems like he’s still in pain.
4. CB Renardo Green
He was the only one to intercept a Purdy pass today, but he also allowed four catches while playing nickelback on the first defense. Green is being targeted a lot this season when he’s on the field. I’m not sure he’s ready for the challenge.
