Kyle Shanahan delivered some key details from his presser during Day 1 of 49ers mandatory minicamp.
The San Francisco 49ers kicked off the first day of their three-day manadatory minicamp practices.
And while these padless, non-tackling sessions wholly lack the intensity and serious of training camp, which begins later this summer, there's nevertheless going to be news and tidbits of importance.
Particularly when the head coach takes the podium.
Kyle Shanahan briefed reporters from Levi's Stadium in the wake of day one's practices. And while there were the usual minor updates, such as second-year tight end Cameron Latu missing time because of a knee injury and the recent free-agent pickup of fellow tight end Logan Thomas, Shanahan pointed out a couple of other items that should excite fans.
Kyle Shanahan says chemistry between Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall is 'fun to watch'
Shanahan didn't have much by the way of news surrounding star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who held out of voluntary organized team activities last month and is a no-show for mandatory minicamp.
As the team's leading receiver the last two seasons, Aiyuk is awaiting a lucrative contract extension that could earn him roughly $30 million per year.
With Aiyuk absent, though, rookie wideout Ricky Pearsall has seen plenty of looks.
Judging by Shanahan's comments, the Niners' top pick from the 2024 NFL Draft is already generating a solid rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy.
"It's been fun to watch both of them," Shanahan said of the Purdy-Pearsall connection. "I know Brock doesn't always get to watch how the route gets there, but he knows when guys end up in the right spot and they catch it. That's where quarterbacks get comfortable, and I think he can feel that with Ricky right away."
That development should be something to continue monitoring throughout minicamp and into training camp.
49ers are eyeing long-term deals for 2 top cornerbacks
San Francisco is facing a potential massive overhaul within its secondary next offseason, particularly with a number of starters entering contract years.
Among two of the 49ers' more notable players, cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, Shanahan is hoping they're able to stick around for the long haul.
Ward, who was a second-team All-Pro a year ago, has significantly improved the Niners' defensive backfield since joining as a free agent in 2022. Lenoir, meanwhile, came into his own last season after being selected on day three of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Despite rising roster costs, getting those two locked up for a lengthy period of time would certainly help with continuity.
San Francisco continues minicamp through June 6.
