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NFL • 10 months ago

5 Questions San Francisco 49ers Must Answer in Training Camp in 2015

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Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

5 Questions San Francisco 49ers Must Answer in Training Camp in 2015

San Francisco 49ers Defensive Line — The San Francisco 49ers mandatory minicamp is in full swing this week and many questions are still left unanswered. Here are five questions the 49ers must answer before training camp.

The San Francisco 49ers mandatory minicamp is in full swing this week and many questions are still left unanswered. Here are five questions the 49ers must answer before training camp.

5. Which Defensive End Will Step Up?

San Francisco 49ers defensive line coach Jim Tomsula (center) instructs his team.

5. Which Defensive End Will Step Up?

The 49ers have two starting spots open on defensive line after Ray McDonald was let go in December and Justin Smith retired last month. Fortunately for San Francisco, they have considerable depth at those positions. Darnell Dockett, first-round pick Arik Armstead, Tank Carradine and Quinton Dial, are just a few names who are ready to be the next man up this fall.

4. Who Will be the Slot Receiver?

Baltimore Ravens Wide receiver Torrey Smith

4. Who Will be the Slot Receiver?

San Francisco brought in some great talent at wide receiver this year. Starter Anquan Boldin will be joined by former Baltimore Ravens teammate, Torrey Smith who will most likely start alongside Boldin. Former Cincinnati Bengals wide out Jerome Simpson has looked great in OTAs. The 49ers have Bruce Ellington, Quinton Patton and a host of UDFAs who will also be vying for the position this summer.

3. Who Will Start at Right Corner?

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Tramaine Brock intercepts the ball.

3. Who Will Start at Right Corner?

One of the bigger concerns for the 49ers heading into training camp is who will start alongside veteran Tramaine Brock at CB. San Francisco signed cornerback Shareece Wright in free agency to add depth at the position. Second-year player Dontae Johnson had a good showing last year and will likely be one of their top choices. Keith Reaser on the other hand, has turned heads this offseason and will likely win the job if he can keep it up.

2. Filling the Void on the Offensive Line

San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Mike Solari instructs his team during training camp

2. Filling the Void on the Offensive Line

One of the more shocking retirements coming out of San Francisco this year was 25-year-old right tackle Anthony Davis. The 49ers must find the best fit for the all-to-important RT position. HC Jim Tomsula mentioned swing tackle Erik Pears will temporarily take over the position, until a full-time replacement is found. Alex Boone is an idea choice but, Tomsula has so far been reluctant to shift the right guard over to tackle just yet.

1. Will Colin Kaepernick Improve?

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick during warmups before a game.

1. Will Colin Kaepernick Improve?

Colin Kaepernick suffered a decline in performance last year, which has led some to question if the QB can be more than just a one-hit-wonder. To improve his skills in the pocket, Kap spent most of last winter training with MVP Kurt Warner at the EXOS training facility. During OTAs last month, Kap's throwing mechanics looked tighter and refined. Unfortunately, we will not know if the young QB has changed for the better until September.

James Forsythe is a 49ers Beat Writer at www.RantSports.com. You can Follow him on Twitter @9erJim or add him to your network on Google.

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James Forsythe is a writer for RantSports.

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