San Francisco 49ers: Which Rookies and Vets Need to Step Up?

In just over a week San Francisco 49ers rookies and veterans will report to Santa Clara for the start of training camp, meaning we are all one step closer to the start of football season. As exciting as that sounds, there are still apparent holes in the roster and the question remains: Who is going to step up to fill the gaps in the 49ers’ roster?

The draft brought some much-needed talent to a depleted team, and the 49ers will look to some of those rookies to provide big time this coming season.

One of those rookies, the Niners first pick in the NFL Draft, is defensive end DeForest Buckner. Both fans and coaches are eager to see what this man can do on the field, and are relying on him to put up some serious numbers.

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The 49ers abysmal pass rush was ranked 29^th in the 2015 season, and they came away with just 28 sacks. The retirement of end Justin Smith didn’t help things, and this was a critical need going into the draft. Buckner could be just the person to fill the void.

He comes to the Niners with great size for the NFL, and a natural athletic ability. Buckner is long and fast for the position, allowing him to cover the field nicely. Not to mention his raw power gives him the tools to be an immediate impact player. Although he is a rookie, the 49ers will be looking to him to be a dominant force this season.

Another first-round draft pick expected to come up big is guard Joshua Garnett. From Stanford, Garnett is a physical run blocker with a muscular and wide body perfect for power blocking. A big plus for this guy? He was team captain, meaning he knows what it takes to lead a team and play with absolute intensity.

That mindset should help him going into the 49ers’ current situation at offensive line. Alex Boone left in free agency, leaving both guard spots and the right tackle position up for grabs. Joe Staley and Daniel Kilgore are reliable players at left tackle and center, but there are giant holes in the rest of the line. The offensive line gave up a frustrating 53 sacks in 2015, tied with Cleveland for second-most in the league. Ouch.

This position is of significant concern going into next season, and Garnett needs to use his size and raw power to become a go-to guard for the Niners.

Even with some solid draft picks, several other needs went unanswered in the draft, and San Francisco will be relying heavily on their veterans to improve in their positions.

The wide receiver position is a race for who will play alongside veteran Torrey Smith. The Niners lost their main receiver Anquan Boldin, a substantial hit that will be tough to recover from. Will rookies Aaron Burbridge, Eric Rogers, and Devon Cajuste make a splash or will veterans Quinton Patton and Jerome Simpson bring experience to the position? These unknown answers put all the more pressure on Smith to have a better year than his last.

Torrey Smith /

Smith tallied 33 receptions for 663 yards in 2015, and both numbers desperately need a boost if he is going to step into Boldin’s role. He was thrown far fewer balls than in Baltimore, but the reality is Smith will be required to do more. This is a fact he readily admits, and has been putting in serious work in the off season to improve upon his lackluster year.

With concerns over who will take that other wide receiver spot, it is essential that Smith becomes a strong leader and delivers on the field.

This brings us to inside linebacker, one of the most glaring question marks going into training camp. Many emotions were drummed up when the 49ers failed to pick up one single extra guy for this position. Surprise, anger, confusion, and downright frustration. Coach Chip Kelly’s new system, including a lot of man to man coverage, could be the reason for foregoing a pickup at ILB. Nonetheless, the Niners will have to work with the guys they have, and that means Gerald Hodges has to be the answer.

There is still a question who will get the nod next to NaVorro Bowman. Michael Wilhoite started the 2015 season, but Hodges finished it due to a Wilhoite injury. Hodges has a big upside, as he showed definite promise in those final games, ending with 39 tackles in the last four games. Yes, he is lacking in size, but can make up for it in speed and athleticism. Not to mention the 49ers acquired him in week four last year and he was forced to learn a completely new defense.

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With more time and experience to study the new system, expect to see a different Hodges. Ranked 29^th in yards allowed, the 49ers will need a lot of improvement and production out of Hodges in the 2016 season.

One thing is for certain: San Francisco needs improved production at most every position. So regardless if he’s a rookie or veteran, it’s pertinent they come hungry to step into their roles.