Training Camp Beat: The Rookies (Week 1)
“He has all the tools to be an All-Pro”
Rookies have never been leaned on more in the Purdy era than they will be this season, and likely even more so moving forward under the weight of the new quarterback contract. Kyle Shanahan noted that anywhere from six to eight of them could be starting or rotating in 2025. The team is committed to taking the developmental lumps that come with that.
Most of those reps are expected on the defensive side of the ball, placing the burden of readiness on Saleh’s shoulders. Fortunately, the early returns have been overwhelmingly positive. Here’s your Week 1 rookie beat from training camp:
Mykel Williams (DE/DT)
The hype train is well underway for the massive 20-year-old, who looks every bit of his 6’5”, 260-pound frame. Brad Graham (@TheSFNiners) highlighted a Day 1 sequence where Williams:
Stuck Trent Williams on a rush block
Beat Colton McKivitz off the edge for a sack
Dropped into coverage from the edge
Grant Cohn noted that Williams beat second-year standout guard Dominic Puni in a split second off the snap during an inside rushing play as well. He's already drawing comparisons to rookie-year DeForest Buckner or Aldon Smith. Williams appears capable of playing inside or out, giving the team flexibility to pair him with edge specialist Bryce Huff in nickel and dime looks.
Trent Williams said he “has all the tools to be an All-Pro,” adding that Mykel’s size gave him issues from the jump. Over the first three days, Mykel consistently stood up Trent, blowing up runs in his direction. The two have already taken a Cabo trip together as well, for whatever it’s worth, the camaraderie vibes seem high.
If his pass-rushing skill set develops, the 49ers may have scored a future star. Nick Bosa called him “an elite talent” and said he’s committed to helping Mykel reach his ceiling.
Given that the team passed on both the best guard and what some considered the best tackle in the draft to select him, there’s serious opportunity cost there. All is well if he hits though, and this was as good of a rollout as the fanbase could have hoped for.
Upton Stout (CB)
A somewhat controversial draft pick due to his size (5'8", 180 lbs), Stout has quickly won over both the team and the media. Deommodore Lenoir said back in OTAs that the rookie was ahead of where he was at his age, noting “the game just moves slowly for him.”
Shanahan said on Day 1 of camp that Stout was excelling in the nickel. By Day 3, he was getting starting reps in the role. Cohn observed Saleh’s willingness to bring Stout in the box and his aggression in run support, despite the slight frame. Stout’s college tape backs that up, it’s great to see it translating at the next level, even if it just a few unpadded practices.
Barring injury or a significant regression when the gear does come on, it looks like Stout will be the Week 1 starting nickel. Pushing Lenoir back outside. Lynch may have just found himself another late round gem.
Isaiah Neyor (WR) & Jakob Robinson (CB)
Two undrafted rookies made strong impressions in Week 1.
Isaiah Neyor (Wisconsin) hauled in a viral leaping grab in double coverage, showing off every inch of his 6’4” frame and every stride in that 4.4 speed. He was the media darling of the week. With good reason: https://x.com/coach_yac/status/1948502706869731337?s=46
With wide receiver depth as shallow as it’s ever been under Shanahan, Neyor’s usage next week could be telling regarding his odds of making the final 53. It seems like this will be a call they have to make, with his newfound virality on X. I would be surprised if Neyor survived waivers and made it to the practice squad should they opt to go that route.
Jakob Robinson (BYU) was another standout. Grant Cohn awarded him his first-ever “Undrafted Rookie of the Day” on Friday. I’m sure he was honored. Robinson showed sticky coverage, physicality, and solid instincts, including a pass breakup on Friday.
We have seen this NFL movie many times before. If Renardo Green is sidelined for a couple of weeks, Robinson will get meaningful reps in practice and preseason. He made 36 college starts and generated 11 interceptions during his college career, and ran an unofficial 4.3 40. The physical and on field talent appear to be there. Given the 49ers' recent history of quality DB finds in the draft and free agency, don’t be surprised if Robinson becomes another one.