Vinny Sutherland proved to be sure handed last season, and fearless, still Sutherland lacked the big plays that the 49ers were looking for from the position. His greatest competition this training camp will come from NFL Europe running back Jamal Robertson. However, there will be others trying out for the position, including Cederick Wilson, Tai Streets, Teddy Gaines, and Jimmy Williams.

Robertson has very little experience returning kicks, having done so in just a few games at the end of this year’s NFLE season. Still he proved competent and explosive at the position.

Cederick Wilson has been a nice surprise throughout the off-season. He’s quick and could make a good returner. Fellow receiver Tai Streets has experience in returning kicks, having done so a little last season, but likely won’t be a big threat to the leading candidates.

Cornerback Teddy Gaines was drafted in the seventh round. He’s short and fast, fitting the ideal return man’s profile. Still he is quite inexperienced at the position. It will take a big showing from this off-season to find a spot on the roster. Fellow cornerback Jimmy Williams was already given an opportunity to return kicks in mini-camp. Williams looked quite good doing so, but did drop a few balls.