The 49ers have definitely tackled some important needs this offseason, but as we gear up for the offseason program and training camp, some crucial position battles are beginning to emerge.
Here are three key matchups to watch:
Left Guard
The competition for the left guard position is likely to be intense, with only a handful of contenders for this vital role on the offensive line. Currently, Connor Colby seems to be the frontrunner to start when the 49ers kick off the season against the Rams in Australia.
However, the 2025 seventh-round draft pick will encounter significant challenges to retain the position he held for six games last season.
Other candidates include veteran Robert Jones, a former starter for the Dolphins who was sidelined for all of last season due to a neck issue.
Don’t overlook these two rookies from the 2026 draft, though. Fourth-round pick Carver Willis is being heavily considered for a major role in his first year. And if he can’t quite step up, fifth-rounder Enrique Cruz Jr. is also in the mix.
Slot Cornerback
Upton Stout had a decent showing last year as a rookie third-round pick, earning the starting nod for the offseason and much of training camp. However, his difficulties in pass coverage have raised questions about his long-term viability as a starter.
Slot cornerback is a challenging position in the NFL, especially for newcomers. Yet, it’s expected that Stout will gain valuable experience throughout this process.
Interestingly, the 49ers also brought in former Raiders and Packers cornerback Nate Hobbs. His arrival could significantly shift the dynamics in the secondary.
When healthy, Hobbs has proven he can anchor the slot cornerback role. But staying injury-free has been a hurdle for him; he played only 11 games in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons, which led both the Raiders and Packers to move on. If he performs well, there’s a chance he could push Stout for the starting job.
Safety
Right now, Ziair Brown and Malik Mustafa hold the starting safety positions, but they need to show improvement, and the 49ers will require one of them to step up significantly.
Then there’s Efesians Prysok, drafted in the fourth round. Although he’s listed as a cornerback, some believe his height at 6-foot-3 might make him a better fit at safety. This notion was recently echoed by former 49ers defensive back Donte Whitner on a podcast.
Another player to watch is Jalen Stroman, a former Notre Dame safety who was undrafted. Many expect him to get more chances as a rookie.
In any case, the 49ers definitely need to prioritize safety in their lineup.
