The 49ers at the end of the month head into their first training camp under Chip Kelly with a quarterback battle headlining the show.
Will it be Colin Kaepernick or Blaine Gabbert that comes out ahead? Former 49ers head coach Mike Nolan gave his two cents on the competition.
"I think the (storyline) to watch is Chip Kelly and the San Francisco 49ers and how he manages that quarterback situation," Mike Nolan said this week on NFL Network. "Obviously he's got two quarterbacks in Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert, who he's picking from. Personally, I think Kaepernick's the better choice."
[MAIOCCO: 49ers veterans, rookies report to camp on same day]
"I think he fulfills all of what Chip Kelly's offense utilizes," Nolan added. "So I think he'd be the best choice. But I think that's something to watch closely."
Upon his return to the team in June, Kaepernick relayed a similar message about his ability in Kelly's offense, saying, "I think Chip's system is great for me. I think it's very similar to what I've done in college."
Kaepernick, whose offseason trade request did not result in a change of scenery, also expressed excitement that he remains a member of the 49ers.
When asked if he is confident his best opportunity for success is now with the 49ers, Kaepernick said, “I’m very confident in that.”
Kaepernick reported to the 49ers on April 4 for the opening of the offseason program. He did not miss a day of offseason workouts under the direction of coach Kelly.
“What Chip, the coaching staff, my teammates have really done this offseason, and the work they’ve put in and how everything has been going, I’m very excited to be here,” Kaepernick said. “I’m very happy to be here. And looking forward to training camp.”
