Five 49ers casting a positive first impression at training camp

SANTA CLARA – First impressions can be deceiving at training camp, especially since the 49ers won’t be in full pads with live contact until Friday.

All appears orderly and smooth even as coach Kyle Shanahan watches from afar because of his July 14 car-crash injuries.

The 49ers are two practices into camp. Tuesday marked a new closed-door, “jog-thru: session intended to ease ever-present health issues. Six weeks remain to get those body clocks ready for kickoff in Melbourne, Australia.

More injuries will occur. Back-to-school vibes will fade. Highlights will blend with lowlights.

Yet here is instant analysis of five campers on the come, with linemen exempt until their full-armor battle royales:

Running back Kaelon Black

Of all positions to be cautious about before pads come on, it’s running back, especially a rookie. Then you see this 5-foot-10 firecracker speed past the line of scrimmage. Whoa! He even sought out a defender for contact on his first carry Monday.

Once Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw slam into him, and once Black can demonstrate trusted pass blocking and pass catching, then the RB2 job is his behind Christian McCaffrey, who’s still getting the most work even after last season’s NFL-high 413-touch showcase.

Wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling

Sunday, Stribling capped practice by nimbly catching a low pass against tight coverage. Monday, he deftly reached for an early reception down the sideline. Hooray, he did his job. One-on-one drills are still to come.

“Having Stribling with his speed, but also his strength, that’s something that you need at receiver, and he’s shown that the first couple days here,” quarterback Brock Purdy said. “So I’m excited to keep building with him and I know he’s going to continue to do it over and over again.”

Wide receiver Mike Evans

An 11-time, 1,000-yard receiver needs no token compliments or hypercritical analysis. His impressive presence, however, does not go unnoticed, especially with offensive spirit animal George Kittle rehabilitating on the side.

Evans, who has a history of hamstring issues, participated in back-to-back practices, after first getting to know Purdy’s passes in spring OTAs and some summertime sessions. “I grew up watching him and stuff, and to now be able to throw to him and be on the same team and compete together, for sure, I pinch myself and I’m like, ‘This is surreal for me,’” Purdy said.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw

It’s downright surreal seeing No. 57 back alongside No. 54. Then it’s both poetic and medieval to see Greenlaw slam into a pile to try stripping a ball free.

“We got our bully back,” cornerback Deommodore Lenoir said. “I was mad when he left (last year to play for the Denver Broncos) because I know the intensity he plays with. He’s going to go 110% every game, every practice.” Stay healthy, Dre.

Cornerback Renardo Green

His stock is climbing back up after tailing off last season amid no takeaways and one public chastising by Shanahan in the playoff loss at Seattle. Said Lenoir: “He’s more confident in his craft, just being able to come in Year 3 and actually have the confidence to backpedal against a Hall of Fame receiver (Evans) and just being poised.”

A year ago in camp, Green made a tremendous pass breakup downfield, reminiscent of the 13 he had as a 2024 rookie starter. But he hurt his hamstring that play — a harbinger of his sophomore slump. Now Green must hold onto his job against veteran Jack Jones in a race to see who makes the most plays.

The only interceptions thus far have come from safeties Ji’Ayir Brown and Marques Sigle; linebacker Jalen Graham; and one cornerback, Eli Apple.