Knox listed two veterans and a younger player. He named quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw.
Garoppolo was an obvious selection given the drafting of quarterback Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick and Garoppolo's recent flurry of injuries that have limited San Francisco's championship ceiling.
"We have seen stretches of brilliance from Garoppolo, who passed for 3,978 yards with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2019," wrote Knox. "We've also watched as he has missed 23 games because of injury over the past three seasons.
"If Garoppolo is going to earn another starting opportunity, he'll need to prove he can stay healthy and play at an above-average level this season."
McGlinchey was another rather obvious selection as his pass protection continued to deteriorate last season despite strong run-blocking play. Many feel the offensive lineman is on the hot seat after getting his fifth-year option picked up.
Kinlaw is fresh off his rookie season but has big shoes to fill. He was acquired with the selection obtained from the trade of star defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who has continued his stellar play with the Indianapolis Colts.
You can check out Bleacher Report's article here: 49ers Players with Most to Prove Ahead of 2021 Season
Written By:
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
Rohan Chakravarthi
Writer/Reporter for 49ers Webzone
All articles by Rohan Chakravarthi
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
PFF names 49ers' highest-graded player of the 2026 preseason
Gordon McGuinness of Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently identified each NFL team's highest-graded player of the preseason. For the San Francisco 49ers, that distinction belonged to cornerback Jack Jones, the veteran defender entering his first season with the team. Jones led... -
49ers legend Joe Montana reveals what impresses him most about Brock Purdy
San Francisco 49ers legend Joe Montana doesn't like comparing players. That means he isn't trying to find a comparison for current starting quarterback Brock Purdy, who has enjoyed an impressive career since becoming the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. However, there is one... -
49ers injury report: Kyle Shanahan provides updates on Mike Evans, Nick Bosa, several others
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan planned to allow most of his starters to sit out Thursday night's preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. For many, that is good news, as the team is dealing with several injuries. Shanahan spoke to reporters after Tuesday's... -
49ers injury report: Mike Evans among several players not practicing on Tuesday
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans left Sunday's practice early, appearing frustrated as he removed his pads. Evans is not participating in Tuesday's practice, although he is among several players getting some work in on a side field. Evans had previously missed time...