ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

While the Shaun Hill-Alex Smith debate rages elsewhere, here's a look at some of the other things I'll be watching in the second half of our NFC West doubleheader Friday night:

• Jason Hill. Remember him? He was the promising young receiver making strides each season. He was one of the receivers people referenced when saying the 49ers enjoyed better depth at the position. Haven't heard much from him in camp thus far. With Michael Crabtree unsigned and Isaac Bruce getting the night off, perhaps Hill can remind people he's still on the roster.
• Kentwan Balmer. The 49ers have had good things to say about their 2008 first-round draft choice this offseason. Let's watch what he does in live action. Defensive ends generally don't stand out playing in 3-4 schemes, but the Cardinals' Calais Campbell, a 2008 second-rounder, looked good at defensive end Thursday night.
• Adam Snyder. The right tackle has enjoyed a strong camp, making him the early favorite to start, with Marvel Smith's health a key variable. Snyder doesn't need to do anything special. He's a right tackle, after all. But if the Broncos get all kinds of pressure on the quarterback against him, it's a bad sign.
• Young pass rushers. Manny Lawson and Parys Haralson are the keys here.
• Glen Coffee. The rookie running back gets the start while the 49ers wisely rest Frank Gore. The 49ers would find a strong preseason from Coffee to be reassuring evidence of an upgrade from 2008 backup DeShaun Foster.
• Half the secondary. Free safety Dashon Goldson and cornerback Dre Bly are the ones to watch. Any inclinations toward playmaking will be logged and set aside as evidence.
• Vernon Davis. The tight end has caught the ball well during camp. Will the 49ers work him into the passing game more? And if they do, will they hold up adequately in pass protection? Might be tough to tell in an exhibition game, but it's all we've got at this point.