San Francisco 49ers: What to watch for at each position in training camp

With San Francisco 49ers training camp set to open on Thursday, we break down what you should be looking for at every position in camp and preseason.

The San Francisco 49ers open training camp on Thursday and, given the roster turnover they have undergone this season, it is no surprise there will be a plethora of position battles taking place.

There is competition places across the roster on both sides of the ball, leaving head coach Kyle Shanahan — who has the final say over the 53-man roster — with plenty of difficult decisions to make come the end of preseason.

Here we look at what you should be watching for at every position on the roster during camp and in the Niners’ preseason schedule.

Quarterback

Who’s Involved: Brian Hoyer, Matt Barkley, C.J. Beathard, Nick Mullens

What to watch for

With Brian Hoyer pretty much guaranteed the starting job, the main intrigue surrounding the quarterback position comes from C.J. Beathard. Can he show enough in camp and preseason to suggest he could supplant Matt Barkley as backup and even start some games in 2017?

How it should shake out

Expect Hoyer, Barkley and Beathard to earn spots on the depth chart. The best UDFA Nick Mullens can hope for is a practice squad berth.