The NFL schedule is set to drop this week, and for San Francisco 49ers fans, that means it's time to start circling key matchups and planning your game-day gear. But before we dive into the upcoming season, let's catch up on the latest developments from the team's minicamp—where a few newcomers are already turning heads.
One player generating serious buzz is rookie edge rusher Romello Height. Selected 70th overall out of Texas Tech, Height is a bit of a project. He's lean—maybe too lean—and could struggle against the run. But when the pads come off and the drills start, his burst is something else entirely. During a recent hoop-and-bend drill, Height executed a quasi cross-chop while maintaining speed and flexibility to snag a towel at the edge. Coaches, media, and fellow players alike stopped and took notice. It was the kind of explosive first step that makes you say, "God DAMN!" While cameras weren't rolling for that particular rep, the buzz around Height's potential is building fast.
Another name to watch is tight end Khalil Dinkins. He's got the size, length, and movement ability that intrigue coaches, but questions remain about his blocking. Once the pads go on, we'll know quickly whether he can hold his own in the trenches. At Penn State, he showed flashes in space but got rocked at times. Still, he's a player worth keeping an eye on as training camp approaches.
On the offensive line, Carver Willis is embracing versatility. Told in college that he wasn't an NFL tackle, Willis is now working on snapping the ball to add center to his résumé. That flexibility could be crucial, especially with Jake Brendal set to hit free agency after the 2026 season. Willis is open to playing wherever the team needs him—guard, center, or even tackle if injuries strike. "It's wherever they need me," he said, showing the kind of team-first attitude that fits right in with the 49ers' culture.
As the schedule release draws near, these storylines add even more intrigue to what promises to be an exciting season. Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to gear up for game day.