Niners Need Offensive Line to Lead Way
This past offseason, the 49ers traded for offensive tackle Jonathan Martin from Miami. It was expected that Martin, a former Dolphins starter, would give the 49ers offensive line some depth and versatility.The Niners also drafted center Marcus Martin from USC, hoping he could push veteran Daniel Kilgore in training camp. And, with right guard Alex Boone holding out, Joe Looney was given the chance to start in the preseason and first few games of the regular season, and it was hoped he could blossom into a strong NFL player.But none of the three was expected to start this season. Unfortunately for the 49ers, all three players have figured prominently in the starting lineup this season.Because of injuries to right tackle Anthony Davis, Martin has started seven games. Because of a season-ending injury to Kilgore, the rookie Martin has been forced into a starting role. And because of Boone's holdout and an injury to Mike Iupati, Looney has started games at both right and left guard.The 49ers offensive line, long one of the franchise's strengths, has been in flux in 2014, and the offense has suffered for it. The running game has been inconsistent and quarterback Colin Kaepernick hasn't...
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Top 49ers Offensive Prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft
By Wayne P. Brown
14 hrs
With the 2024 NFL Draft just around the corner, the anticipation is palpable as San Francisco prepares to make their first first-round selection in over two years. Here, I present the top prospects for each offensive position, both inside and outside the top 100, with their potential to shape the team's future and draft grades.
Quarterback - Michael Penix Jr., Washington
2nd-round grade
Strengths:
Pocket passer
High IQ and processing
Blitz beater
Concerns:
Durability (Four season-ending injuries)
Accuracy outside the pocket.
Michael Penix Jr. is a great pocket-passing quarterback with a high IQ pre- and post-snap. He can read the defense well and