OTA's Week One

First Week of OTA’s – What have we learnt?

The first week of OTA’s have been completed and I am sure the new coaches and players welcomed the chance to start thinking and planning for the new season ahead.

Here are a few of my takes from this week –

• Clear Direction on the starting Quarterback – Although not officially announced by the Head Coach, Kyle Shanahan, I think we are safe to say that Trey Lance will be the starting Quarterback the season.
• Special Teams – Coach Shanahan and John Lynch, the team’s GM, have tried to address Special Teams in the off the off season. They have used free agency and the draft, recruited Brian Schneider to be the special teams Coach. The focus on improving Special Teams is essential if the team are going to be successful this upcoming season.
• Running Back – This is the area of the offense that I am most excited about, Coach Shanahan has exciting young Quarterback, but to really make him a true threat, the team will need a dynamic and strong running game. Again, in the draft, they have been bold and by adding depth with their Third-round pick in Tyrion Davis-Price, from LSU and the running back room, now has depth, youth and versatility.
• Defence Line – The team have invested in a team of defensive lineman, both in the Draft, with the addition of Drake Jackson in the second of the draft and some sensible signings during the off season. Again, the best way to take the pressure off Trey Lance is to have a strong D-Line, that force turnovers and control the time of possession, which for the most part the team did a good job of doing towards the end of last season.
• Protecting the Key Team’s Players –  Certain key players, like George Kittle, Fred Warner, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa did not take part in this week's OTA's. This is where John Lynch adds real value , as a former player, he totally understands what it required to play for any significant length of time in the NFL. The team must manage its players and Lynch’s and Shanahan’s relationship with the veteran players and trusting them, really does pay dividends.
• Deebo – I am sure this will all be resolved by the time full training camp starts, Deebo and the team are better together and with Lynch managing the situation, I am very confident that the deal will be done and Deebo will starting in September under a new contract.