Former 49ers star: Fixing the O-line must be the offseason priority

Former NFL cornerback Richard Sherman believes he knows exactly what the San Francisco 49ers need to focus on this offseason. After the team's 29-17 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Sherman stressed that general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan must prioritize improving the offensive line.

Sherman's suggestion is likely to be supported by fans, especially after seeing quarterback Brock Purdy sacked six times over the last two games.

"That offensive line needs to be the number one, number two, and number three priority this offseason," Sherman said on his podcast. "If you're gonna pay this quarterback all the money you're gonna have to pay him, you want to keep him upright so he can be the playmaker that he has been.

"This year, he's been under a lot more duress, he's been using his legs more, he's had to leave the pocket more often than not. It hasn't been great, and without [T] Trent [Williams], it's looked even worse."

According to Pro Football Focus, Purdy has faced pressure on 37.7 percent of his dropbacks this season, earning just a 56.7 offensive grade in those situations. In contrast, his grade soars to 89.1 when operating from a clean pocket.

"You need a right tackle," Sherman declared, suggesting the team replace Colton McKivitz. "No ifs, ands or buts, no discussion, no nothing—a right tackle."

While McKivitz has shown improvement this season, he has still allowed a team-high 33 pressures and six quarterback hits.

"You need to figure out a center, maybe in the second round," Sherman continued. "There's plenty of them in the Big 10 somewhere to find them. Maybe one in the SEC. And then, maybe find a guard in free agency. It looks like you have one in [RG Dominick] Puni. Put a competition out there at left guard."

With left guard Aaron Banks set to become a free agent, the 49ers may face another key decision regarding their offensive line. If Banks departs, they must address that vacancy during the offseason.

"And I know you can't just draft them one, two, three, four, five, six, but that's what I would do," Sherman concluded. "We're gonna hit on one of them."