Videos are auto-populated by an affiliate. This site has no control over the videos that appear above.
Rookie Dominick Puni is stepping into an exciting opportunity, with many speculating whether the third-round pick can contend for a starting position on the San Francisco 49ers offensive line. The team was so intrigued by Puni that it traded up eight spots, securing his arrival in the Bay Area.
ESPN analyst Matt Miller, a longtime 49ers fan, recently shared his enthusiasm for the Puni pick, lauding the offensive lineman's physicality, athleticism, and versatility.
"I think he'll be a guard," Miller said on the "No Huddle" podcast. "I don't see any chance of him playing tackle unless it's a little bit of a swing type thing. He was so dominant [in college]."
Puni recently appeared on the "Up & Adams" show hosted by Kay Adams, confirming Miller's analysis that he will start his career at guard. While predominantly a left tackle at Kansas last season, he logged all 848 snaps at left guard in 2022.
"When I played guard in '22, I felt really comfortable at guard, felt comfortable inside," Puni said. "It was the first year I played it, and I did pretty well, so the transition wasn't too crazy for me. And the 49ers, they got a hell of an O-line. Obviously, they've got Trent Williams at left tackle. He's definitely the best left tackle in the NFL.
"So, moving me in to guard, I have no problem with. Even playing center, I have no problem with. Wherever I can help the team is wherever I'll play."
Puni didn't allow a sack in two seasons with the Jayhawks while conceding only 16 total pressures.
Of course, learning from Williams is an added benefit from being drafted by the 49ers, something Puni's former teammates were quick to point out following his selection.
"It's really unbelievable," Puni said. "The first thing, my Kansas O-line teammates, they hit me up. They're like, 'Bro, you're about to play with Trent Williams. You understand that?' I was like, 'Yeah. It's crazy.' But in the NFL, everybody's good. And then there's guys who are just better than good, and there's guys who are better than that.
"Obviously, I think he's up there in the echelon, one of the greatest of all time. So, just the fact that I get to learn from him and just watch him work, just see his habits, is going to be pretty cool. ... I'm gonna ask him everything, everything I can ask him."
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
Comments
Do not use the comments to notify us of errors in the article. Editors may not see it. Instead, report errors here.
More San Francisco 49ers News
George Kittle on Jauan Jennings' value to 49ers, reunion with Trent Taylor
By David Bonilla
May 30
The San Francisco 49ers signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings to an extension this week, ensuring at least two more seasons of "Third and Jauan." While casual fans might not understand the significance of this move, looking at Jennings' career statistics with a shrug, die-hard supporters understand Jennings' importance to the team.
Jennings epitomizes the 49ers' physical football mentality, as demonstrated by this block against the Green Bay Packers in last season's playoffs.
Jauan Jennings gonna block! #49ers
49ers' Kittle, Warner, Williams top PFF position rankings; Bosa named 3rd best edge defender
By David Bonilla
19 hrs
As they do every offseason, Pro Football Focus has kicked off its annual rankings bonanza, already unveiling its lists for several position groups.
Fans are still debating San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy's No. 13 ranking among league passers. Wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel both secured top-10 spots and Christian McCaffrey, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, was named the top-ranked running back.
In addition to McCaffrey, three other 49ers topped their respective position group
49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall sends clear message to critics
By David Bonilla
May 23
Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated caught up with San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall at last week's NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles. This was before the first-year player reported this week to Santa Clara for organized team activities (OTAs).
During the multi-day event in Southern California, invited NFL rookies had the chance to hold their first rookie cards, printed on the spot during photography sessions at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
For Pearsall, some question the future value of that souvenir, criticizing the 49ers for selecting the former Florida receiver with the No. 31 overall pick—a move pundits labeled as a reach.
Pearsall aims to prove his critics wrong, telling Manzano,
Can Isaac Guerendo end this 49ers draft trend at running back?
By David Bonilla
May 23
ESPN's Bill Barnwell has expressed concerns about the San Francisco 49ers' draft history under head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch. While the duo has brought in key contributors like Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Fred Warner, and Nick Bosa, they have also had their share of draft misses, which is cause for concern.
These missteps haven't cost the 49ers too much, though. The team has still participated regularly in NFC Championship Games and is coming off a Super Bowl appearance, the second of Shanahan and Lynch's tenure. Still, the team has yet to get over the hump and bring home that elusive sixth championship for the franchise.
Some critical draft misses may have contributed to the team failing to reach its aspirations, the
