And now, with a high-priced quarterback in Brock Purdy, that scrutiny isn't about to let up.
The last time the 49ers used a high draft pick on an offensive lineman was in 2021, selecting guard Aaron Banks, who is no longer on the roster. Their most recent first-round investment in the offensive line came in 2018 with tackle Mike McGlinchey.
Although many 2026 mock drafts project San Francisco selecting an offensive lineman at No. 27 overall, history suggests fans shouldn't assume that will be the case.
So, how concerning is the 49ers' offensive line situation based on performance?
No guards in PFF's top 20
Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently released its rankings of the highest-graded tackles, guards, and centers from the 2025 NFL season. Notably, no 49ers guard cracked the top 20.
Dominick Puni ranked 26th among NFL guards after what could be considered a down season following an impressive rookie campaign. Puni battled an early-season injury that may have impacted his play, but he remains entrenched as the team's starting right guard.
Left guard, however, is far less stable. Neither Ben Bartch nor Spencer Burford — both of whom started games at the position — is under contract in 2026, as both are headed for free agency. Rookie Connor Colby made six starts but ranked 66th among all guards, highlighting a clear area of need.
Trent Williams still elite — but aging
Even at 37 years old, Trent Williams continues to anchor the 49ers' offensive line at an elite level. He ranked as PFF's third-highest-graded tackle in 2025 with a dominant 91.1 overall grade.
"Even at age 37 and coming off a season derailed by injury, Williams was in peak form in 2025," Bradley Locker wrote. "He earned a 91.0 overall PFF grade or better for the fifth time in the last six seasons, and he placed in the top-seven in both PFF run- and pass-blocking grades. Arguably the best tackle of the era, Williams continues to defy expectations."
Williams remains an anchor in the trenches, but his age underscores the need for a long-term succession plan.
Colton McKivitz quietly breaks out
Right tackle Colton McKivitz tied with Alaric Jackson of the Los Angeles Rams as the eighth-highest-graded tackle, earning an 84.2 offensive grade.
"The 49ers gave McKivitz a three-year, $45 million extension last offseason, and he played potentially beyond that price tag in 2025," Locker wrote. "The 29-year-old set career highs in overall PFF grade and run-blocking grade (90.4), and his 16.4% impact run-block rate was the fifth-best among tackles. While McKivitz did permit four sacks and 38 pressures, his 740 pass-blocking snaps tied for the sixth-most among tackles, which renders his performance that much better."
Once viewed as a polarizing figure among fans, McKivitz has shown measurable growth.
Jake Brendel: Underrated or upgrade candidate?
Center Jake Brendel may now hold the title of the 49ers' most polarizing offensive lineman. While many fans believe San Francisco could upgrade at center, Shanahan has repeatedly praised Brendel as one of the league's top players at the position.
"I think he's one of the better centers in this league," Shanahan said in January. "I don't think Jake nearly gets enough credit for just how good of a football player he is. Every year we study free agents, we study around the league, and that's where you get to kind of study people, and I've always been very happy with the center that we have."
PFF's grading leans closer to Shanahan's view. Brendel earned a 71.4 overall grade in 2025, ranking ninth among NFL centers.
"The 10th-year veteran has anchored the 49ers' offensive line since 2022, earning a 70.7 PFF overall grade in that span," Lauren Gray wrote. "Brendel generated the highest run-blocking defeated rate on this list (16.8%), but he still performed well in zone schemes, earning a 74.6 PFF run-blocking grade (ninth best). His 16.6% impact-block rate helped him tie for the eighth-best PFF run-blocking grade in 2025 (74.0).
"Although he didn't allow any sacks in pass protection, Brendel still conceded 27 pressures at a rate of 4.3%, leading to a 62.5 PFF pass-blocking grade. However, it was his highest PFF pass-blocking grade over the past three seasons."
Outlook on the 49ers' offensive line
The data suggests the 49ers' offensive line isn't a complete liability — but it's far from dominant outside of Williams. With instability at left guard and long-term questions at tackle due to Williams' age, investing in the trenches during the 2026 NFL Draft or free agency feels necessary.
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