{"numbering":"no_numbering","slides":[{"title":"DT Javon Kinlaw","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/kinlaw_j_USATSI_14765313.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1598984004,"caption":"

The 49ers were ecstatic they were able to move back one spot and still select the South Carolina defensive tackle. Kinlaw is big, powerful and determined. And that’s a great combination that gives the 49ers reason to believe he will get better and better and better.

Kinlaw likely steps into the 49ers’ starting lineup as DeForest Buckner’s replacement. But it is going to take a while before he can become the kind of three-down force that Buckner was with the 49ers from the moment he arrived as the No. 7 overall pick in 2016.

The rookie’s job will be to tie up the opponent’ interior offensive linemen to allow linebackers Fred Warner and Kwon Alexander to roam free and pick up tackles in the run game. The 49ers believe their run defense is an area where they can improve from their middle-of-the-pack status last season. Anything Kinlaw gives the team as a pass rusher will be a bonus.

"},{"title":"WR Brandon Aiyuk","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/article/hero/Aiyuk_B_USA_14765322.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1598984200,"caption":"

Before he exited the practice field on Aug. 23 with a hamstring injury, Aiyuk was one of the offensive standouts during practices. In a short period of time -- and without an offseason program -- Aiyuk earned the trust of the coaching staff and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. He was running with the first-team offense, and he was catching multiple passes on a daily basis.

Aiyuk showed why coach Kyle Shanahan had him rated just behind CeeDee Lamb as the top receiver in the 2020 draft class. The 49ers traded up to No. 25 to select the former Arizona State wideout.

It will be more difficult for Aiyuk to find his role once the season begins because the 49ers have a lot of different options on offense, especially if Deebo Samuel returns in time for the Sept. 13 opener. But Aiyuk gives Shanahan a lot of options. He can line up at all the receiver spots and run routes at every depth. Aiyuk also is electric with the ball in his hands, which could provide the 49ers’ offense with another ball carrier on jet sweeps.

"},{"title":"OL Colton McKivitz","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/mckivitz_c_getty_1267096389.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1598984303,"caption":"

The 49ers had a high opinion of McKivitz in their draft prep, and might have taken him a round earlier if they had a fourth-round pick. The early returns on the West Virginia product are positive. But the lack of an offseason program and preseason did him no favors in his quest to win a role as a rookie.

This season, teams will suit up three backup offensive linemen. McKivitz certainly has put himself in position to be under strong consideration to be a reserve on game days. He has showed a lot of promise in practices as a guard, and could be targeted as a starter in future seasons.

"},{"title":"TE Charlie Woerner","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/woerner_c_getty_1268597306.jpg","credit":"Getty Images","published":1598984726,"caption":"

The 49ers selected Woerner in the sixth round to, in essence, fill Levine Toilolo’s role as a blocking specialist. But Woerner appears to be more than just a blocker and special-teams contributor.

Woerner had just 34 receptions during his college career at Georgia, but he was very active in the 49ers’ passing game in training camp. When George Kittle missed practices due to tightness in his hamstring, Woerner stepped in with the first-team offense and caught a bunch of passes.

Kittle said Woerner entered the NFL as a better blocker than he was back in 2017. And Woerner looks smooth and comfortable running routes and catching passes, too. He’ll join a group of tight ends that includes Kittle, Jordan Reed and Ross Dwelley.

"},{"title":"WR Jauan Jennings","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/jennings_j_USATSI_14755512.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1598984974,"caption":"

Probably no player on the team was impacted by the cancellation of the preseason more than Jennings, a seventh-round draft pick from Tennessee.

Jennings is big, aggressive and relentless. He does not go down easily after catching passes, and that is a quality that does not show up on the practice field, where tackling is not allowed.

It is difficult for rookies to learn Shanahan’s system, and Jennings appeared to be thinking so much about his assignments that, at times, his concentration was elsewhere when the ball arrived. If he makes the 53-man roster, he might spend the season on the inactive list. More likely, he is ticketed for the practice squad.

"},{"title":"Undrafted Rookies","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/hasty_j_USATSI_14765315.jpg","credit":"USATSI","published":1598985408,"caption":"

With the league-wide roster reduction to 80 players, the 49ers had only six undrafted rookies in training camp. Each is likely to be presented with an opportunity on the 49ers’ 16-player practice squad.

The 49ers must give serious consideration to defensive lineman Darrion Daniels (Nebraska) and running back JaMycal Hasty (Baylor) for spots on the 53-man roster. With an injury or two, Daniel could see action as part of the D-line rotation at some point this season. Hasty could be next in line as the 49ers’ third-down back behind Jerick McKinnon.

Three other undrafted rookies -- tight end Chase Harrell (Arkansas), fullback Josh Hokit (Fresno State) and defensive back Jared Mayden (Alabama) -- supplied plenty of good moments to seemingly solidify spots on the 49ers’ practice squad.

"}]}

49ers rookie report: Where Brandon Aiyuk, others fit on depth chart