The 49ers on Monday will begin the padded portion of their training camp. This is where it gets real.
With essentially live action underway, we’ll get a much better look at what the 49ers roster is offering. The padless practices are good for the team knocking rust off and getting into the swing of football, but there are so many elements that get lost with the physicality removed.
Some players who have shined in the first part of camp will be tested differently with the pads on, and other players who haven’t had a chance to stand out could get that opportunity now that we’ll see the team in a more realistic football setting.
Here are six players we’re keeping a close eye on when the 49ers head out for their first padded practices: