The Washington Commanders placed wide receiver Noah Brown on IR due to injuries and signed DE Drake Jackson as a free agent, while also opening a practice window for cornerback Jonathan Jones recovering from injury.
Several key players, including tight end George Kittle and defensive end Drake Jackson, were absent from the San Francisco 49ers' joint practice with the Raiders due to injuries. Kittle is dealing with a hip strain that will sideline him for at least a week, while Jackson has a hamstring issue. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw also left practice early due to a hamstring problem. The severity of the injuries is unknown, but the 49ers are being cautious. Kittle and Jackson's availability for the upcoming preseason game is uncertain.
On Day 2 of the San Francisco 49ers training camp, standout players included running back Elijah Mitchell, who impressed with his quick burst and versatility; defensive end Drake Jackson, who showed skill in one-on-one matchups against top tackle Trent Williams; cornerback Samuel Womack, who displayed solid coverage skills and made several impressive plays; defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, who looked in great shape and showed improved quickness; and kicker Jake Moody, who made all four of his field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder.
The San Francisco 49ers have several position battles to watch during OTAs, including the starting DE opposite Nick Bosa, backup tight end, backup right tackle, CB depth, and LB3. Drake Jackson is currently slotted in to start at the edge position, but the 49ers could dive into the free-agent market if he doesn't meet expectations. The backup tight end position remains a question, with Cameron Latu and Brayden Willis competing with the incumbent candidates. Colton McKivitz is the heavy favorite to start at right tackle, but the competition for his backup looks shaky. The 49ers have options to replace Azeez Al-Shaair at the third linebacker spot, including rising young candidate Marcelino McCrary-Ball.
With the 2023 NFL season approaching, here are seven players who are expected to have a breakout campaign, including Kenny Pickett of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kadarius Toney of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Drake Jackson of the San Francisco 49ers. These players have shown potential in their rookie seasons and are expected to take major steps forward in their second year.
San Francisco 49ers' new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks has identified inconsistency in Drake Jackson's rookie season, despite showing physical attributes and a strong start. Jackson was inactive for five of the 49ers' final six weeks, including all three postseason games. Wilks hopes Jackson will take a "sophomore leap" and improve his game by increasing his strength and size during the offseason. Jackson has been working out with 49ers defensive line coach Kris Kocurek and has gained weight, which Wilks sees as a positive sign.
New 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks is excited about defensive linemen Javon Kinlaw and Drake Jackson, who have been training at the team facility all offseason. Wilks believes Jackson has the ability to be Nick Bosa’s primary bookend and has been impressed with his progress in the weight room. The 49ers are looking for both players to take a big step forward this season. Wilks also spoke about his specialty, the secondary, and said the team will continue to use a lot of zone concepts while perhaps taking more advantage of the long-armed talent they have at cornerback.