49ers OTAs begin today

May 18, 10:36 AMSan Francisco 49ers ExaminerSamuel Lam

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The 49ers will open up their first OTA (organized team activities) today and there are a lot of questions that could be answered here.

To start off, the OTAs allow the team to get familiar with each other and hopefully give an idea to the staff on how they should use each player on the roster. The OTA dates are  May 18-21, June 1-2, 8-11, 15-16.

There isn't much to report right now as the team begins. However, here are some thoughts on some players who could be fighting for recognition or playing time:

• Kory Sheets vs. Thomas Clayton: Either of these running backs could be an impact at camp. The problem now is the team did draft another running back on the roster and adding in Michael Robinson to the mix, that's already three running backs ahead of these two.
• Arnaz Battle: A true battle for a guy that probably will fight to make the roster. The team has invested in Brandon Jones and rookie Michael Crabtree this off-season. They also want to develop Josh Morgan and Jason Hill in the process.
• Vernon Davis: Let's hope he is used as a receiver this year more than just blocking.
• Marvel Smith: Can he stay healthy to protect a very thin O-Line?
• Kentwan Balmer and Ray McDonald: McDonald is coming off surgery while Balmer comes off a very down year. Both of these players look to show the staff that they can hang in this league.
• Manny Lawson: Weight gain a problem? Not right now, but he sure needs to show that he can be a dangerous pass rusher.
• Reggie Smith and Jimmy Wiliams (never mind, Williams was released today) shift over to safey. That's a major change for a secondary that could end up being a league best.

We'll see how this all develops throughout the weeks.