Finding a starter and sticking with him might help
Despite their quarterback not throwing all offseason, the San Francisco 49ers took the league by storm in 2023 after Brock Purdy took his game to another level, Christian McCaffrey performed like an all-world running back, and Brandon Aiyuk morphed into a true No. 1 receiver.
How will the offensive line fare in 2024? That’s the biggest question mark surrounding the reigning NFC Champs. According to PFF, who ranked each line as we get closer to training camp, the 49ers come in with the 24th-best unit in the league:
While the 49ers’ offensive line features a future Hall of Famer and arguably the best offensive lineman of the past few years in Trent Williams, those around him have so far failed to impress. The rest of the offensive line consists of either career journeymen, such as center Jake Brendel and right guard Jon Feliciano, or young offensive linemen who the 49ers hope can improve in 2024, such as Aaron Banks and Colton McKivitz.
The plays that replay in your head from the Super Bowl were more mental mistakes than physical ones when the offensive line broke down. Take the 3rd & 4 at the two-minute warning as an example.
George Kittle was lined up in the backfield and went away from the direction the line slid, which caused an unblocked defender. Right guard Spencer Burford made a couple of those mistakes, while Colton McKivitz was beaten 1-on-1 at times.
Trent Williams was graded as an elite player, per PFF, but every other starter was graded as below average. Jon Feliciano came in above average but was closer to being a part-time player before the playoffs began.
There isn’t any ground-breaking coaching that needs to take place. The five players upfront need to execute better on passing downs. Perhaps Dominck Puni can shore up the right guard, but the right tackle play could also stand to improve.
Many believe there will be a rotation at wide receiver with the two added rookies, but could that be the case on the right side of the line once again? Training camp will determine who is ready to play and how long of a leash the starter will have. Either way, this unit could use some consistency.
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