NFL Notes: 49ers, Chargers, Rams

49ers

Even though Jimmy Garoppolo was able to step in last year and immediately have success in 49ers’ offense, HC Kyle Shanahan says it’s been good to finally have offseason practice time to work with him.

“Everyone knows the crash course that Jimmy got last year, and it’s been nice to just slow it down, teach him some of the verbiage and the whys, instead of just, ‘Hey, memorize this by Sunday,’” Shanahan said, via the Sacramento Bee. “It’s been nice for him to know why and be able to relax and talk through that stuff. Then, you hope that the more you do that, it’ll carry over to play better.”

• Matt Barrows writes that Joshua Garnett vs. Johnathan Cooper should be one of the more prominent training camp battles for the 49ers this summer.
• Shanahan mentioned that second-year RB Joe Williams showed some flashed in OTAs up to this point: “I noticed a couple runs today that flashed. … There’s two runs in particular that I told him he did a real good job on out there.“
• Barrows notes that third-round LB Fred Warner lined up at the “Mike” spot with the second-team defense this past week.

Chargers

Ricky Henne of Chargers.com mentions that he’s been impressed with backup QB Geno Smith during offseason workouts and his accuracy has really stood out.

“I have a lot of confidence in Geno Smith. (He brings) competition,” Chargers HC Anthony Lynn previously said about Smith. “I was with Geno his first couple of years, when he had a couple of productive seasons. As a rookie, stepping in, I think he had five come-from-behind wins his rookie year. I know what he’s capable of doing. I think he lost his focus there for a little while, but he’s hit the reset button. He’s re-focused. We’re glad to have him.”

Rams

Rams veteran CB Aqib Talib says he’s doing as much as he can to help Marcus Peters learn Wade Philips‘ defensive scheme this offseason.

“He’s sitting next to me in the meetings, asking questions,” Talib said, via the Los Angeles Times. “I’m going to help him as much as I can, but … he’s a natural athlete, a natural playmaker.”

Peters explained that he has no issues taking on as much as can to get up speed as fast as possible.

“I learn fast,” Peters said. “So then it’s just me taking on as much as I can take on. When I don’t know, I ask questions and then I just keep it going like that.”

Rams HC Sean McVay seems to be pleased with what he’s seen from his new cornerbacks up to this point.

“Aqib’s got a lot of experience in the system, so it’s been pretty natural for him,” McVay said. “Being around Marcus, you can see he’s got a great feel for the game and he understands situational football.“