Briana Jeannel
The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up their final open training camp session in Santa Clara on Tuesday before heading to Las Vegas for joint practices with the Raiders and their second preseason matchup.
Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh addressed the media following practice, offering updates on key position battles and player development mid-way through training camp.
Nick MartinShaking Off the Rust
Rookie linebacker Nick Martin is getting back up to game speed after logging his first live action of the NFL preseason. Saleh praised Martin's physical style and sideline-to-sideline range but noted he's still working on controlling his aggression at the tackle point.
"Nick's doing a good job," Saleh said. "He's a big-time running hit linebacker, so he just has to learn how to control himself at the tackle point and come together. It's getting his feet underneath him and getting his body on the ball carrier until the speed of the game catches up to him, if that makes sense. But he's young. It was his first real live action in over a year and a half, so we're not concerned with some of those missed tackles. I think we'll get those cleaned up."
Martin will get another chance to show growth in Las Vegas.
Marques SigleMaking the Most of Opportunity
With the safety group battling injuries, Sigle has seen extended time with the first-team defense. Saleh credited the young defensive back's instincts, versatility, and ability to play both safety spots.
"He shows a lot of good things," Saleh said. "It's a combination of one, he's earned that right, and two, the safety group is a little beat up right now, so it's a good opportunity for him. He went out in the preseason game, and I thought he did a really nice job, especially out of the middle of the field and erasing tackles when it was just him in the back in the hole. But he's done a really good job. He's shown that he can handle both the free and the strong mentally. He's showing that he has got all the things that are required out of a safety from a movement standpoint, speed, instinct, and violence part. So, he's earned it. And as he gets those extended reps, he's got to find a way to cement it.
"But it's like we've said way back in OTAs, it's a wide-open group in terms of competition."
Standout Performances at Cornerback
Chase Lucas, a practice squad player in 2024, has been building a strong case for a roster spot since OTAs. His preseason performance validated what the coaching staff has seen all offseason.
"I think a preseason game is cool because 31 other teams get to see what we've been seeing since OTAs," Saleh said. "Chase is a good football player. He's been doing a lot of good things. He's embraced his role and he's finding ways to get better every day. So, whether or not it (Preseason Week 1) moved the needle, I think it was good that when the lights are on, it's a big moment, and pressure's on to make plays; that he was still able to perform at the level he has.
"So now the challenge for him is to stack up days on defense, get better on special teams, and find a way to be a viable corner to expand his game and find ways to earn his right on this roster."
RookieJakob Robinsonhas also turned heads with his competitiveness and composure. While his size might limit him to nickel duties, Saleh believes Robinson can succeed outside if he plays with enough strength.
Defensive Line Development
Saleh highlighted the steady progress of several young defensive linemen:
Sebastian Valdezis making the most of his undrafted opportunity, earning more reps as he proves himself against better competition.
C.J. Westhas been on a consistent upward trajectory since his arrival.
Alfred Collinsshowed significant improvement in the preseason opener, displaying more power, better footwork, and pad level. Saleh expects Collins' best football to come later in the season as he continues to build conditioning and adapting to the NFL.
Tatum BethunePlaying Faster in Year Two
LB Bethune looks quicker at this year's training camp, a change Saleh attributes to improved processing speed.
"I always tell people, if you're thinking, you're not executing your 40 time, right?" Saleh said. "He comes out of college, he's running a certain time, he plays with a certain speed, but if you're thinking you're not utilizing all that. I think he's playing a little bit more without thought. Now, he's not all the way there yet. There are still some things that he's learning every day. But when these young men can play without thought, especially the young ones that are fresh from college, they can utilize all their God-given ability. They flash and they pop on tape because of their speed. Tatum's no different.
"He's had a really nice off season, and we've bounced him around a little bit from MIKE to SAM to WILL trying to get him to have some versatility to his game. But he's been doing a really nice job."
Veteran Leadership Setting the Tone
Saleh shared that TEGeorge Kittle's energy in practice matches LBFred Warner's, and that their passion and competitiveness lift the entire team.
"They just love the game so much," Saleh said. "How can you not be inspired when you're looking at a guy who's been in the league for a while? He's (Warner) made all those plays and in practice, he still loves talking his crap and winning one-on-ones. It's important to him... You hope that he pulls a bunch of people with him. I think he does."
With joint practices in Las Vegas and Preseason Week 2 against the Raiders on deck, Saleh emphasized the value of stacking strong days, continuing competition across the roster, and fine-tuning fundamentals before the regular season kicks off.
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