After the 49ers practiced against the Broncos in 2016, Denver’s Von Miller said Trent Brown was one of the “better tackles” in the NFL.
A year later, one of the league’s best pass-rushers has even stronger praise for the 49ers’ 6-foot-8, 355-pound right tackle.
“He’s the best right tackle in the National Football League,” Miller said Wednesday after the first of two joint practices with the 49ers. “And he may even be a top-five tackle, period, in the National Football League. There’s not another tackle who’s that tall, that big and can move he way he moves.”
Miller, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, and Brown actually renewed acquaintances in June. Miller invited Brown to a well-attended “Pass Rush Summit” at Stanford that included Oakland’s Khalil Mack and Atlanta’s Vic Beasley, who led the NFL in sacks last year. Brown was the only offensive lineman at the summit.
“Just so he could soak in some of the information that we got,” Miller said. “And, from my point of view, we could get it from a premier-offensive-tackle point of view.”
On Wednesday, Brown, 24, held his own against Miller, 28, in one-on-drills and the team periods. It was the latest sign Brown, a 2015 seventh-round pick with 18 career starts, could start to fully realize his vast potential … and cash in after his rookie deal expires after the 2018 season.
“He’s great. He’s got a big future ahead. He’s going to have one of the biggest (contracts) for an offensive lineman,” Miller said. “… He’ll be as good as he wants to be. When he’s on, there’s not another tackle in the National Football League that’s as good as him.”
Miller was told he should be Brown’s agent. He laughed and insisted that wouldn’t be necessary: “He does a great job representing himself.”
Roster moves: The 49ers waived/injured undrafted rookie linebacker Donavin Newsom (concussion), who spent two nights after Stanford Hospital after he leaving the practice field in an ambulance last week.
General manager John Lynch said Newsom would be placed on the 49ers’ injured reserve if, as expected, he clears waivers.
“He’s doing better each day,” Lynch said. “… It’s the best thing for the kid. Give him time to really get right.”
The 49ers also waived/injured linebacker Jayson DiManche (hamstring).
Twitter: @Eric_Branch
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