Let’s remove the quarterbacks from the equation and talk about how the 49ers rookies looked in their preseason debut against the Raiders on Sunday. They may not get an opportunity to play this year, but the way the injury bug goes around, you never know. Either way, a few of the first-year players may earn playing time with how they perform this month.
Ji’Ayir Brown
Brown has the best shot of earning a significant role this season. Brown didn’t particularly stand out during training camp practice, but lived around the ball. He finished with four solo tackles in limited action, including bringing down the ball-carrier in the open field.