What is the 49ers' plan to protect their star QB in 2025 and beyond?
The offensive line remains a point of contention for fans
Looking back at the history of the San Francisco 49ers, specifically their championship caliber teams, one consistent theme stands out. The play of the offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage, giving Montana, Young, and Kaepernick the time needed to be the playmakers that helped their respective teams ascend to championship opportunities. Games are won and lost in trenches, and the ability to control the line of scrimmage and protect your franchise quarterback is a must for teams that expect to compete for championships.
After utilizing resources elsewhere in the off-season, one area that was by-and-large overlooked was the need for quality offensive line help. Aaron Banks, a former second-round pick, was signed away by the Green Bay Packers, while swing tackle Jaylon Moore moved on to Kansas City to join the Chiefs after filling in for Trent Williams serviceably last season. Using only one of this year’s 11 draft picks on the offensive line in seventh-rounder Connor Colby from Iowa, it was clear that this position group was not prioritized. By handing Brock Purdy a contract with a total value of $265m, what does the state of the offensive line unit look like to ensure he stays out of harm's way this season and beyond?
Trent Williams has been nothing short of elite in his career, especially during his time with the 49ers. Williams has been everything you can ask for and more during his tenure with the team, earning three consecutive 1st-Team All-Pro nods from 2021-2023. But at 37 years of age and having missed time the past few seasons with injuries, Williams is no guarantee to return after this season. While he has stated a desire to play until he is 40 years old, that will be determined by if his body will allow three more seasons of quality play.
Williams bookend on the right side, Colton McKivitz stepped into the starting role in 2022 and has played relatively well. Starting all 17 games in 2024, he was graded more effective in the pass game than the run, earning a 72.8 PFF grade while only allowing two sacks on the season. He would rank 43rd of 140 eligible tackles. With an overall PFF grade 72.2, McKivitz ranked 37th of 140 eligible tackles, above the median average for the position. Being in the last year of his contract with the team, McKivitz should command a big pay day in next year's free agency period if he continues to perform at an adequate level.
Dominick Puni was a revelation in 2024. As a third-round pick out of Kansas, Puni was buried in the depth chart to begin camp, but injuries to Jon Feliciano and Spencer Burford quickly thrust him into the starting position in the preseason. He would not relinquish that spot the rest of the season. Puni would go on to earn All-Rookie Team honors for his play at right guard.
Jake Brendel returns at center for his fourth season at starter after taking over after Alex Mack’s retirement. His time in the starting lineup has received mixed reviews among many, as he is considered a top 15 center in run blocking, ranking 13th out of 64 qualifying players with 71.6 grade by PFF in 2024. His pass blocking has raised a lot of red flags. Of the 64 qualifying centers, Brendel ranked 51st, receiving a 55.1 grade. He was also assessed 10 penalties in 2024, ranking him 63rd out of 64. While not consistent on tape, Brendel has been durable and available for the team, starting every game since taking over in 2022. While he is highly spoken of by Shanahan and offensive line coach Chris Foerster, his play has created significant concern among fans due to his lack of consistency and how he has noticeably stopped blocking during plays.
Ben Bartch was installed into the starting lineup at left guard late in 2024, taking over for an injured Banks, and was playing well before an injury. After spending three years in Jacksonville, he was brought in as a veteran depth piece, but played well in relief of Banks and appears to be the favorite heading into training camp for the starting left guard spot next to Trent Williams barring any setbacks. Spencer Burford will also be in the mix, as he has starting experience at right guard, and should put up throughout training camp.
Since the beginning of the Shanahan/Lynch administration in 2017, the 49ers have only used three picks in the top three rounds on offensive linemen, and only one first round pick on an offensive tackle with the selection of Mike McGlinchey out of Notre Dame. McGlinchey was outstanding in the run game at right tackle, but was not re-signed by the team, and found a new home in Denver after the 2022 season. The other two being guards Banks and Puni.
While the plan this off-season was clearly focused on the defensive side of the ball, pieces were added to the offensive line. Along with the drafting of Colby, the 49ers only other additions to the line this offseason were in former Philadelphia first round pick Andre Dillard and Nicholas Petit-Frere, a former third round pick in Tennessee. D.J Humphries was announced by his agent as having agreed to terms with the 49ers, but never finalized the contract, and eventually signed with the division rival Rams. Over the past three drafts, the 49ers have not added a tackle or center with any of their draft picks.
Over the course of Kyle Shanahan’s tenure with the team, the offensive line has seemingly not been a priority, utilizing mid-tier free agents and late-round picks that are better scheme fits for the zone blocking attack that the 49ers employ. Over the past few seasons, the 49ers have selected developmental players such as Burford and Nick Zakelj that have traits to be better system fits. Shanahan has historically favored more athletic lineman that can move and pull versus the bigger, mauling type.
After an off-season with no seemingly impactful upgrades along the line, do they have a long-term plan to build the line into a strength of the team? Or will they continue to look to late round picks and under the radar free agents that fit the scheme? With a franchise quarterback under contract for the next several years, the 49ers must put the protection in front of him to ensure that he remains healthy and available to lead the franchise back to postseason success.