Anthony

Davis

The No. 11 overall pick of the 2010 draft, Davis was developing into a fine tackle before his career took a turn toward the strange with injury, retirements and position switches. He has appeared in one game since 2014, and just eight since 2013. Still somehow only 29, Davis could garner workouts if he’s in shape and focused.

The Niners still hold Davis’ rights after he initially walked away from the game in 2015, came back in 2016 to play one game, and then retired again. Davis is still just 29 (turns 30 in October) and cites a decrease in concussions as a reason he’s looking to come back to the sport. This is the first we’ve heard of Davis since his 2016 walking-away.

Former Saints center LeCharles Bentley opines that Davis is ideally suited to guard after struggling with pass protection and penalties in his first two seasons. The 49ers believe a full offseason working with coaches will go a long way toward fixing Davis’ pass-blocking woes.

In this scenario, the Niners would start Alex Boone at right tackle. San Francisco hasn’t soured on the 2010 first-round pick, but Davis has consistently struggled in pass protection entering his third NFL season. Davis could also stay at right tackle if Boone or rookie Joe Looney looks good at guard in training camp.

Harbaugh noted that Davis is “standing out” in OTAs with improved footwork and “a big jump in his play.” Alex Boone has taken the early lead at right guard. “He’s doing a phenomenal job,” Harbaugh said. “There will be competition of course, but he’s doing outstanding.”

The 2010 first-round pick had two years left on his rookie pact, making it a seven-year contract. He’s now the NFL’s fifth highest paid right tackle, behind Doug Free, Gosder Cherilus, David Stewart, and Phil Loadholt. Davis had a breakout 2012 sesson after the 49ers briefly considered moving him to guard in the offseason, grading out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 3 right tackle. Although still not a dynamo in the passing game, Davis took a step forward in protection. Davis has started 48 consecutive games since coming into the NFL. He’s still only 23. Both of Colin Kaepernick’s starting tackles are now locked up through at least 2017.

Davis battled weight problems at Rutgers, where he enrolled as a 363-pound freshman. He weighed in at 323 pounds at the 2010 Combine and has been listed at that weight ever since. Davis’ tonnage has been under control in San Francisco as he’s started all 48 games and emerged as a cinch top-five right tackle at age 23.

Adam Snyder won’t go quietly, especially with whispers that Davis wasn’t in the best of shape at the latest minicamp. Still, Davis wasn’t taken at No. 11 overall to watch from the sideline. Barrows thinks that Snyder will end up competing with Alex Boone and Barry Sims for the top backup tackle job.

The Nos. 17 and 11 overall picks, respectively, will have to “earn” starting jobs this offseason, confirmed head coach Mike Singletary. Iupati will attempt to unseat incumbent David Baas at left guard. Davis’ competition at right tackle consists of Adam Snyder, and perhaps Barry Sims and Alex Boone.

“I’ve been very impressed with where Anthony’s at,” OC Curtis Modkins said. “He’s making a real effort to understand it. He’s putting in extra time. I don’t think any of us could be more impressed with what Anthony is doing right now.” It’s only a matter of time before Davis is running with the first-team.