The first 49ers‘ preseason game of 2025 didn’t go well if you’re looking at the score or the turnover differential. But even with the Niners getting blown out 30-9, the team had multiple high-quality performances and some key takeaways. After the game, Kyle Shanahan would discuss some of these players in his press conference.
Marcus Sigle
One of the best players on the defense last night was rookie safety Marques Sigle. Like many of the 49ers’ recent draft steals, the Kansas State product was selected in the fifth round. Shanahan would discuss his play and praise him after the game.
“I thought he was one of the guys who flashed tonight,” he said. “He got a little bit of a late start by being injured in the (spring). And it was a few days into camp until he really got going. But he’s had a hell of a week here and finished it off good today.”
Sigle ultimately finished the game with seven tackles before exiting the game with a knee injury in the second quarter. Luckily, his injury doesn’t appear to be too serious. With San Francisco having some question marks at their safety position, the rookie could work his way into the starting rotation if he continues to fly around the field like he did on Saturday night.
Jordan Watkins
The 49ers’ head coach had some positives and negatives regarding his rookie wide receiver.
“I thought he did some good things, especially that 50-yard catch,” Shanahan stated. “Also had some plays where he struggled, too. Getting that pick, he had a busted route on that. That was a big one. Making that big play on the first third down in the game is what allowed us to end that opening drive with a score. Typical rookie game; there was some positive in it, but a lot of stuff we can challenge him with when we watch the tape Monday.”
Wide receiver figures to be another position where the team is going to need younger players to stand out and make an impact. While Watkins still appears to have some ways to go, his talent is obvious. Slot fades are a staple of the Shanahan offense, and Watkins sure looked good running one last night.
Khalil Davis
Moving on from the rookies, a potential starter in Khalil Davis continued to make a strong impression on his coaching staff.
“I thought he had a really good offseason last year and was having a good training camp, but then got hurt (in the preseason) at Tennessee pretty bad,” Kyle Shanahan said. “And it set him back a ways. But I think this offseason has been very similar. He’s had a real good training camp, and I thought he had a good first half (Saturday), too.”
Both Davis and CJ West started the game at the defensive tackle spots. In limited reps, he got a sack and made three tackles. With how he’s played so far, Davis will likely be one of the starting interior linemen for the 49ers’ defense this September.
Chase Lucas
In terms of statistics, Chase Lucas was the 49ers’ star of the game.
Kyle Shanahan called Lucas “The Energizer Bunny” for his dynamic style of play. The 28-year-old certainly has his work cut out to make the roster, but this was huge for his chances. The Niners’ starting nickel cornerback is expected to be standout rookie Upton Stout. Still, Lucas can carve himself a reserve role if he continues to generate pressure and look good in coverage like last night.
As we get closer to the regular season, the Niners’ roster decisions will become clearer, but for now, this organization is fortunate to have some surprising breakout candidates.
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