49ers Training Camp: Long-term insurance the goal on offensive line
One of the keys behind the success of the 49ers in 2022 was the way in which a young offensive line seen as a potential weakness coalesced into a strength. Questions about the interior of the line were firmly answered as the inexperienced trio of center Jake Brendel and guards Aaron Banks and Spencer Burford […]
One of the keys behind the success of the 49ers in 2022 was the way in which a young offensive line seen as a potential weakness coalesced into a strength.
Questions about the interior of the line were firmly answered as the inexperienced trio of center Jake Brendel and guards Aaron Banks and Spencer Burford locked down those starting spots.
Brendel was signed to a four-year extension in the offseason, Banks vindicated his selection as a 2021 second-rounder and Burford showed significant potential in his right guard timeshare with the now departed Daniel Brunskill.
This offseason there remain doubts about the offensive line, but they pertain to the right tackle spot and Colton McKivitz's ability to step up as the successor to Mike McGlinchey at right tackle.
But an under-the-radar storyline to follow at training camp surrounds the second string of the offensive line, which boasts some experienced deputies for this season but could benefit from some of the younger non-starters up front proving themselves as players the 49ers can depend on long term.
Chief among them is Nick Zakelj, a sixth-round pick in last year's draft who brings guard-centre versatility. The likelihood of him being needed at any point in 2023 decreased when the 49ers signed Jon Feliciano to backup Brendel at center. Feliciano can also deputize at guard.
But Zakelj impressed last preseason and, if he can do so again in camp and this year's exhibition games, they may not feel the need to bring in more experienced help for 2024.
Backup guard Jason Poe emerged as a fan favorite last offseason but spent 2022 on the practice squad. A former fullback, Poe has a better shot at the active roster this year, with his athleticism making him a strong fit for a run game that relies heavily on zone blocking.
Tackle depth is of greater short-term concern. San Francisco is an injury on either side away from having to turn to Matt Pryor, coming off a poor year with the Colts, or Jaylon Moore.
Moore looked dreadfully out of depth when pressed into service briefly last season, and the Niners might have to spend more draft capital on the position should he fail to show signs of progress.
There are other developmental prospects at both tackle and guard. Undrafted free agent Leroy Watson, a teammate of Burford at UTSA, is a practice squad candidate if the former tight end can stand out at tackle. At guard, Joey Fisher was the 49ers' highest-profile undrafted signing after receiving hype for his physical gifts late in the pre-draft process having been snubbed from the Scouting Combine.
The likelihood of any of these names having an impact in 2023 is low, but what they do in camp and preseason is important for the 49ers' roster construction for the coming years.
San Francisco's starting offensive line is set up well for the next few years, but they'll feel much more comfortable about the long-term outlook on the offensive side of the trenches if some of their reserve options can impress in camp.
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