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NFL Free Agency: 5 Positions the San Francisco 49ers Must Address in 2016

By Peter Panacy

Aug 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; San Francisco 49ers nose tackle Ian Williams (93) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Alex Boone (75) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Alex Boone (75) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line

Perhaps no other position of concern aside from, let’s say, quarterback will demand general manager Trent Baalke’s attention more than the offensive line.

San Francisco’s O-line was atrocious in 2015, and the team finished with a minus-24.6 pass-blocking grade and minus-66.3 run-blocking mark, per Pro Football Focus.

And it’s a unit that could get weaker this season.

Left guard Alex Boone is poised to hit the free-agent market and will be one of the primary targets for more than just a handful of teams. While the 49ers may hope retired tackle Anthony Davis returns, and linemen Trent Brown and Andrew Tiller continue their development, it would be wise for San Francisco to shore up this position of utter importance.

Cleveland Browns right tackle Mitchell Schwartz played particularly well on a bad team and ranked the sixth-best qualifier at the position, per PFF.

He’ll look to build upon his $1.645 million salary from 2015.

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Whether it be with Schwartz or someone else, the 49ers have to make some strides along the O-line to ensure the offense has a base with which to start.

This aspect was nearly nonexistent a year ago.

Next: Why the 49ers Should Re-sign WR Anquan Boldin

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Contractual information courtesy of Over the Cap.