NFC Notes: 49ers, Cardinals, Rams

49ers

49ers DC DeMeco Ryans said OTAs are “vital” for second-year DT Javon Kinlaw‘s development after missing out on a full offseason program as a rookie.

“I think it’s really vital for him to really have these OTAs,” Ryans said, via Eric Branch of the SF Chronicle. “You know, coming in as a rookie, OTAs are very, very important. And for him to miss that time last year — I think he’s going to take a huge jump this year. Just we’re able to slow things down and really emphasize foot work, hand placement and technique, eyes. And he’s been doing an awesome job. I mean, I can already see how much better he’s gotten in the couple of weeks that we’ve been together.”

Kinlaw mentioned that he wants to improve to approach the game and practice with an improved “mentality overall.”

“Really, just my mentality overall,” Kinlaw said. “What I’m taking towards the game every day, how I want to approach practice every day, what I want to work on.”

• The 49ers have promoted R.J. Gillen from Pro Director to Director of Pro Personnel. (Neil Stratton)

Cardinals

Cardinals’ DT Corey Peters suffered yet another major knee injury during Week 10 last season, but is still hoping to rejoin the team prior to the upcoming season.

“I’m doing well,” Peters said, via Mason Kern of SI.com. “Right now just focusing all my time and energy on just rehabbing my knee. It’s been, I guess, about four months since we’ve had surgery. It’s going well. It’s a slow process, a long process, but it’s not my first time going through a rehab process. I understand it’s just going to be up and down, up and down and then we’ll get there though. But everything’s going well, I’m ahead of schedule and I’m looking forward to getting back out there and being able to play next year.”

Cardinals’ HC Kliff Kingsbury says the team is aware of Peters and his rehab but also likes the talent that Arizona already has on defense.

“We’re always looking to add talent; we know what Corey’s about,” Kingsbury said. “He was tremendous for us on and off the field, one of the great leaders in our locker room, so we’ll see how that plays out. And we’re excited about some of the young talent we have there as well. I thought Rashard (Lawrence) did a nice job last year stepping in. Leki (Fotu) really came a long way. And so we feel like we have some good pieces.”

Peters says that the team has already spoken with him and he has roots in Arizona, yet he wants to keep his options open.

“We’ve talked, but my options are open. I’m looking forward to whatever opportunity presents itself . . . I put roots down here, my home is here, so I would love to stay. And then also my community work; I really have a special connection to the south Phoenix community. I’d love to be here, but I understand the business part of it and it is what it is. And at the end of the day, we will do what’s best for us. Just as I expect the teams to do what’s best for them.”

Rams

• Rams HC Sean McVay keyed on fourth-round TE Jacob Harris as a player who has made a strong impression, while the rookie has worked “pretty exclusively” with TEs coach Wes Phillips. (Jourdan Rodrigue)