Romello Height is already demanding double-teams in San Francisco’s training camp, a ridiculous feat for a rookie, and it’s putting the whole line on notice. This kid is straight-up cooking, showing why coaches are already “all in” on his pass-rushing ability. When a rookie pass rusher forces veteran offensive linemen like Dominick Puni to proactively double-team him, it tells you everything you need to know about the kind of disruptor he’s going to be.
Height’s Bag Is Already Making Waves
We’ve been hearing whispers, but seeing it play out? Height has already cooked Colton McKivitz at least once, completely embarrassing him. Another time, he spun inside so violently it forced Puni to come over and help. That’s big-time pressure from a guy who’s just getting started. There’s been talk about his shorter arms, raising questions about whether he can actually finish plays, but the confidence from camp notes is all about his ability to create that pressure, even if it’s in a bit role. If defenses are having to account for him like they do for top guys like Nick Bosa or Osa Odighizuwa, that’s going to open up sacks and meaningful pressure across the entire line. This dude’s got a four-move bag predicated on speed and hesitation, and it’s already showing up big time.
Injuries and Battles Heating Up
It wasn’t all about highlight plays, though. Injuries are already a concern. Punter Mike Evans missed practice, although thankfully, it doesn’t appear to be a long-term issue. He was seen watching in street clothes and even doing some light receiver drills during special teams, which is a good sign. Out wide, receivers Stribling and Christian Kirk are also working through things. Stribling, who’s been dealing with hamstring tightness, was sprinting at full speed on a side field. Kirk, recovering from a calf strain, looked like he was at about three-quarters speed. We need these guys healthy, especially with the competition brewing.
Special teams coordinator Brant Boyer is looking for someone to step up in the return game. He mentioned a “handful of guys” like Jacob Cowling, Will Pauling, Jordan Watkins, and Junior Bergen, hoping someone “emerges.” Pauling has a “really good skill set,” but Boyer wants the “whole package”: making great decisions, catching the ball first and foremost, blocking gunners, knowing when to let a ball hit the ground, and fair catching when necessary. It’s more than just returning the ball. Meanwhile, the starting corners, Deommodore Lenoir and Renardo Green, had a good day, with Lenoir getting at least a couple of breakups, including one on Jake Tonges. Green looked solid and was communicating well with Marques Sigle and Dre Brown.
The search for that “whole package” returner is on, and all eyes will be on Height to see if he keeps demanding that kind of attention. This early in training camp, you want to see guys fighting for spots and veterans pushing to get healthy. Every rep counts from here on out.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Niners Nation.
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