Draft picks probably a year away

SANTA CLARA — In his first NFL training camp, 49ers rookie defensive lineman Kentwan Balmer learned quickly that his status as a first-round draft pick was officially irrelevant.

“I learned this ain’t college,” Balmer said. “You ain’t the big dog on the field no more. Everything is so equal, it’s who pays attention to the little details. I realized I have to concentrate and bring it every play.”

Balmer headlined a 49ers’ draft class that is not expected to pay much dividends in Year 1. After all, Balmer and receiver Josh Morgan, a sixth-round pick, might be the only rookies in uniform Sunday when the 49ers open the regular season against the Arizona Cardinals.

“It’s a situation where I think it’s really good that they are not forced to play,” 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan said. “Same with (Joe) Staley and (Patrick) Willis last year. They weren’t forced to play. They came in and won their jobs right away.”

Staley and Willis, both first-round draft picks, played every snap last season at right tackle and middle linebacker, respectively. The closest the 49ers came to drafting an immediate starter was their selection of Morgan, who started the first three exhibition games.

The 49ers spent the No. 29 overall pick on Balmer, the primary backup to left defensive end Isaac Sopoaga. Balmer is expected to play Sunday, but it’s uncertain how much action he’ll see in the defensive line rotation.

“We look to utilize him,” 49ers coach Mike Nolan said. “He’s a talented guy that’s going to be a good player. He just needs to continue to play. He did not play a lot in college, he really started to come on his senior year. There’s a lot there.”

Balmer’s best game of the exhibition season came last week against the San Diego Chargers. He recorded three tackles, including one for a loss. He was far more active than at any point during the first three games.

“I think I can go out there and roll,” Balmer said. “I definitely do. I feel like I can go in and contribute, if somebody needs a blow. I’m not going to shy away from that. I’m a rookie and I know I still have a long way to go, but I’m willing to step in and do all I can.”

Morgan is expected to see plenty of playing time against the Cardinals. He was one of the offensive stars of training camp, catching nine passes for 182 yards and a touchdown through three games. He sat out the final exhibition game with an undisclosed illness.

As late as Friday, Nolan declined to announce whether veteran Bryant Johnson or Morgan would start at split end. He said the receivers will be used based on the personnel packages required for the specific plays.

“We want the young guys to find a role in their first season and get on the football field and play,” McCloughan said. “That’s the best way they are ever going to learn. They learn from the mistakes they make and they just learn from the competition level on how to get better. But we aren’t banking every year on our rookies coming in and starting.”

Balmer and Morgan will likely get that chance early this season. But that’s not the case with the other 49ers’ rookies. Here is a look at the 49ers’ other draft picks:

Guard Chilo Rachal, second round: He worked with the second team at right guard throughout the exhibition season. But the 49ers generally keep only one backup interior offensive lineman active on game days, and that figures to be David Baas because of his versatility.

“This is a lot like college for me,” Rachal said. “At USC, I redshirted as a freshman and then I worked my way into the lineup. I’m coming to work each day and working to get better. The biggest thing has been adjusting to the speed of the game, but I’m getting more comfortable.”

Cornerback Reggie Smith, third round: The 49ers kept 11 defensive backs on their 53-man roster. Smith figures prominently into the 49ers’ future plans, though he might not see much action as a rookie.

“I’m trying to find my niche,” Smith said. “I’ve played the left side, the right side. I’ve done them all. I think things are going well, but I couldn’t tell you what my role is going to be (this season).”

Center Cody Wallace, fourth round: Starting center Eric Heitmann is scheduled for unrestricted free agency at the end of the season, so the 49ers selected Wallace to eventually take his place. Heitmann had a strong camp, and might be a candidate for a contract extension.

Wallace, meanwhile, put together a solid rookie camp. Still, there appears to be no place for him on the 45-man game day roster.

Linebacker Larry Grant, seventh round: Grant was released at the end of camp and currently occupies a spot on the 49ers’ practice squad.

You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.