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14 Observations from Day 1 of 49ers Mandatory Minicamp

The pinnacle of the offseason program is underway. The San Francisco 49ers completed the first of three practices for this week's mandatory minicamp on Tuesday.

Here is everything you need to know.

1. Colin Kaepernick participated in practice for the first time this offseason. The quarterback went through all individual, 3-on-2 and 7-on-7 drills in a helmet and cleats along with the other three signal-callers. Kaepernick didn't participate in the team drills. During those portions, he went back to practicing footwork on his own, simultaneous with each snap.

Kaepernick's best throw came in 7-on-7 when he dropped a ball over the shoulder and into the hands of tight end Blake Bell near the left sideline. The pass was placed perfectly to beat tight coverage.

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2.** Players aren't the only ones going through an offseason program. The 49ers hosted a group of NFL referees at practice as well. Veteran official Bill Levy did not partake, but was on hand to help assist the referees on the field.

3. During an individual period with five receivers running routes at a time, Chip Kelly joined the team's four quarterbacks and tossed a few passes himself. That included a few nicely placed deep throws over the shoulders of his intended receivers.

4. Bruce Ellington, DeAndrew White and Bryce Treggs were the three players to take reps at punt returner.

5. Blaine Gabbert produced a few of the day's top offensive highlights. First, Gabbert completed a pass deep down the left sideline to Bruce Ellington in the 3-on-2 period. During 7-on-7's, the quarterback found Torrey Smith on a deep post down the middle of the field for a touchdown. Smith got over the top of the safety in coverage, and Gabbert hit him with a perfect throw.

6. Bryce Treggs stood out on Tuesday. The rookie wide receiver caught a deep pass down the left sideline from Gabbert, beating the linebacker trying to keep up with him. Treggs also caught a 15-yard comeback route from Kaepernick and another deep ball from Gabbert in 7-on-7.

7. There was a constant rotation in the secondary. Jimmie Ward and Tramaine Brock took first-team reps. Rookie corner Rashard Robinson got reps with the second and third teams as Dontae Johnson sat out of practice due to injury.

8. Other lineup notes include Michael Wilhoite starting next to NaVorro Bowman at inside linebacker. Brandon Thomas was back at right guard with the first group while Andrew Tiller played with the second team.

9. Joshua Garnett participated in a full team practice for the first time this offseason. The first-round pick completed his academic responsibilities for Stanford's spring quarter and was cleared to participate in this week's minicamp. Garnett worked at both guard spots with the third team.

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10.** The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and Phil Dawson was money on each of his field goal attempts.

11. Kenneth Acker provided the defensive highlight of the day with a diving interception. The throw was intended for Jerome Simpson deep down the middle before Acker jumped the route at the goal line and made the play.

12. Jeff Driskel is taking on a mentality of "the more you can do." The rookie quarterback was seen participating in special teams drills and also served as a look-team safety on defense.

13. Other defensive highlights included a Wilhoite would-be sack during a team period. The linebacker proceeded to celebrate with a double somersault. Garrett Celek also batted down a pass at the line of scrimmage.

14. Pierre Garçon and Bruce Ellington racked up catches in the passing game. Hyde made a few fine receptions out of the backfield, and Ellington continues to be used all over the field.

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