NFL

Carswell, a 2012 undrafted free agent out of USC, spent last summer with the Raiders, catching three passes for 36 yards in four preseason games.

He's actually the third-team Z, behind Boldin and Ricardo Lockette. Patton should overtake Lockette with ease in training camp, but his listing is notable because Patton is not considered an "X" receiver -- Michael Crabtree's position. A.J. Jenkins and Kyle Williams are X receivers, with Williams currently penciled in as the starter. The 49ers are probably going to have to get another wideout.

We've also seen CSN Bay Area list Carradine at end rather than rush 'backer. On the Sac Bee's post-OTAs depth chart, Carradine is listed as the third-team right end behind Justin Smith and Demarcus Dobbs. Carradine didn't participate in any spring drills while recovering from the November tear of his right ACL.

Beat writer Matt Barrows' depth chart is based on where players lined up in offseason practices. Rookie Quinton Patton is listed as the No. 3 "Z" receiver behind Anquan Boldin and Ricardo Lockette. It would be a major blow to Jenkins' career if he couldn't beat out Williams, but we expect him to dispatch the special teamer. Patton is the bigger threat as Jenkins attempts to nail down a starting job in the absence of Michael Crabtree.

In non-contact spring drills, pass catchers are always going to stand out. McDonald was a "favorite" of all the quarterbacks in practices, and he reportedly "showed a knack" for catching difficult passes. If he can prove to be a strong blocker, like he was at Rice, McDonald could see a lot of snaps as a rookie.

"There's quite a jump with Patton from where he came in," Harbaugh said. "He elevated himself." Back in rookie minicamp, 49ers beat writers said the rookie was "nowhere close to being ready to contribute." Harbs also praised second-year wideout A.J. Jenkins, saying "they understand what's at stake, what the team needs from them and they are rising to the occasion." Both players are vying for a starting job after Michael Crabtree's torn Achilles'.

From 2011-2012 only two defensive linemen played more snaps than Justin Smith and Ray McDonald. Smith will turn 34 during the first month of the season and is coming off a torn triceps. The defense was noticeably weaker with Smith out of the lineup, so it's in the best interest of the team to keep him fresh.