49ers training camp: Stock up, stock down

The 49ers have had a fascinating first couple weeks of training camp, and now they’re gearing up for their first preseason contest Friday against the Green Bay Packers.

We’ve learned a lot about San Francisco’s roster, with some key players shining like we thought, and others coming up with a disappointing first two weeks.

Here’s a look at some of the team’s rising and falling stocks heading into the preseason opener:

Stock up: WR Brandon Aiyuk

(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

Good luck finding a practice where Aiyuk hasn’t shined. He was expected to take a leap this year, but his performance in training camp indicates he could be on track for a major breakout campaign. Free safety Jimmie Ward said Aiyuk is having the best camp of any 49er not named Nick Bosa. That’s high praise from the veteran. It’s hard not to feel great about where Aiyuk is going into 2022.

Stock down: QB Trey Lance

(AP Photo/Tony Avelar)

Lance’s struggles against the 49ers’ very strong defense have been well-documented. It doesn’t matter which reporter’s unofficial camp stats are on the table, the first-time starter hasn’t been awesome. This isn’t entirely unexpected though. He’s got some growing pains to work through and he’s clearly working through some of them in practice. There are worse places to learn the nuances of playing QB in the NFL. Lance should be fine even if his practices haven’t been perfect.

Stock up: RG Spencer Burford

(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Burford was a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft. It seemed as though the 49ers would be in some trouble if Burford was starting at any point, but he’s proven to be perhaps one of their best five offensive linemen. He got the first-team reps to start camp and he hasn’t relinquished his spot. Burford’s athleticism was always apparent and he’s holding his own in one-on-one pass rush drills. There’s not even a real competition at RG right now. This is lining up to be a pretty big win for the 49ers as they iron out their offensive line.

Stock down: OL Jake Brendel

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Brendel entered camp as the frontrunner to start at center. He was immediately put in a battle with Daniel Brunskill and it appears Brunskill is at least gaining and perhaps has passed him. There’s still some time for…