Who’s Blocking for Trey? - A Breakdown of the 49ers Offensive Line
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Late in the NFC Championship Game, the Rams dominated San Francisco’s offensive line, and won the game because of that. Blocking Aaron Donald is no easy feat, especially because the 49ers’ offensive line is perhaps their weakest unit. Lots of questions surround the starting five, and with a new quarterback potentially taking over, lots of focus will be placed on the big boys up front. Let’s take a look at who may be starting Week one in Chicago.
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Tackle
There are not many variables at tackle. Trent Williams is the best tackle in the NFL, and will start. On the other end, Mike McGlinchey is set to reclaim his starting spot, after his rehab and the departure of backup Tom Compton in free agency. McGlinchey’s success this season will depend mostly on how he has healed from his torn quad last November. If that injury prevents him from playing his best, keep an eye on Jaylon Moore or rookie Spencer Burford to start in his place.
Guard
Guard is now the weakest position on the entire roster after Laken Tomlinson signed with the Jets this offseason. In his place, some expect last year’s second round pick Aaron Banks to start at left guard. Over on the right side, last year’s starter Daniel Brunskill is back, but players like Colton McKivitz and Jaylon Moore also have experience at that spot. In the draft, the Niners added rookie Nick Zakelj at that spot. Brunskill will likely open training camp as the starter, but don’t be surprised if there’s an all-out competition.
Center
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At center, thirteen-year veteran Alex Mack has still not announced whether or not he will be retiring. If he decides to play another year, he will undoubtedly start. But if he doesn’t, then it’s anybody’s guess who will play. Last year’s backup was Jake Brendel, who has three career starts, and none for the 49ers. There’s a possibility that Brunskill slides over to center, and someone else takes over at right guard. The true wildcard, however, comes from the undrafted rookie class. Dohnovan West is a center that many predicted would be drafted as early as the third round this April, but he wasn’t selected and signed with the 49ers. If Mack retires, West would likely be in contention to start as an undrafted rookie.
For the 49ers, this season will be all about Trey Lance. In order for him to maximize his potential and succeed this year, the team needs to figure out the offensive line, and get Lance some protection. Keep an eye on this situation throughout OTAs, training camp, and the preseason, because it will be key to the 49ers’ playoff dreams.