In 2022, the Niners' offensive line ranked seventh in the league. They have since dropped 11 spots to No. 18. The unit lost its starting right tackle of the past five seasons. Mike McGlinchey signed with the Denver Broncos during the onset of free agency. Fourth-year player Colton McKivitz, who has started just five games, will replace him. The versatile Daniel Brunskill also departed, joining the Tennessee Titans.
"San Francisco's line ranked fifth in PFF pass-blocking efficiency over the 2022 season but lost two starters in the offseason," wrote Monson.
It's worth noting that Brunskill started only two games last season while appearing in 14. It's also worth noting that Monson lists Jon Feliciano as the projected starter at center. That job will likely remain with Jake Brendel, who started all 17 games last season.
The interior of the 49ers offensive line is often a cause for concern. Paired with uncertainty at right tackle, Pro Football Focus had no choice but to lower the unit's stock value. Analysts were shocked the team didn't add an offensive lineman or two in the draft.
The one player who saved San Francisco's offensive line from a more significant drop is veteran Trent Williams.
"Trent Williams finished as the best-graded tackle in the NFL for the third straight season," wrote Monson. "He is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best players in the game."
Williams is a two-time first-team All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowl selection. He anchors one of the most critical spots on offense and is about as consistently superb at manning that spot as anyone in the game's history.
"If it wasn't for Trent Williams, this line would be a concerning group on paper," wrote Monson. "It still may need to lean on Kyle Shanahan's offense to put some gloss on its performances."
The good news is that San Francisco's offensive line is ranked as the best in the NFC West. The Los Angeles Rams came in at No. 28. The Seattle Seahawks sit at No. 30, followed by the Arizona Cardinals at No. 31.
PFF analyst underwhelmed by 49ers' offseason efforts
By David Bonilla
4 hrs
The San Francisco 49ers are coming off a disappointing Super Bowl defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs, but they still boast one of the NFL's best rosters, led by promising young quarterback Brock Purdy.
Following free agency and the NFL Draft, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan may believe the 49ers are better today than they were a few months ago. However, Pro Football Focus analyst Trevor Sikkema would disagree.
While handing out offseason grades for all 32 teams, Sikkema sees a little improvement for the 49ers.
"The Niners didn't make a huge splash in free agency but signed some core players in Leonard Floyd, Yetur
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By David Bonilla
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The San Francisco 49ers drafted two offensive linemen in the 2024 NFL Draft, both with experience playing guard. However, these acquisitions occurred in the third and sixth rounds. Was it enough to immediately improve the team's offensive line for the upcoming season?
Gordon McGuinness isn't convinced. The Pro Football Focus analyst examined one potential offseason move for each NFC team that can improve its roster, and upon reviewing the 49ers' roster, suggests that adding a veteran guard might be necessary.
"Dominick Puni can be a day-one starter at right guard for the 49ers as a third-round draft pick out of Kansas, but they could still stand to improve on the
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By David Bonilla
May 13
Following free agency, the San Francisco 49ers found themselves ranked third in ESPN's power rankings, trailing only the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions. ESPN released its latest power rankings, factoring in the actions of each team during the 2024 NFL Draft. The Lions dropped two spots to No. 4, allowing the 49ers to reclaim the No. 2 slot, still behind the reigning Super Bowl champions.
The Baltimore Ravens, previously ranked fourth, now trail San Francisco at the No. 3 spot.
ESPN
PFF identifies 49ers' breakout candidate for 2024 season
By David Bonilla
May 15
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"Very quietly, the 49ers
