San Francisco 49ers: Prioritizing Each Position on Roster Before the 2016 NFL Draft
By Peter Panacy
Offensive Line
Players on Roster: Joe Staley, Zane Beadles, Daniel Kilgore, Andrew Tiller, Erik Pears, Trent Brown, Jordan Devey, Ian Silberman, Marcus Martin, Brandon Thomas, Colin Kelly
The 49ers offensive line received some much-needed reinforcement with the free-agent signing of offensive guard Zane Beadles.
He’ll likely be plugged into the left guard spot — a position left vacant previously by the free-agent departure of Alex Boone. Beadles will probably start between established left tackle Joe Staley and likely starting center Daniel Kilgore.
There are still some concerns along the O-line, as Niner Noise co-editor Doug Totten points out, and much of the focus remains at the right side — the same area of worry carrying over from 2015.
Retired right tackle Anthony Davis’ return continues to look promising although, to put it bluntly, he’s off the roster until he’s on it. And there isn’t any guarantee he’ll be in game-ready shape after missing all of last season.
And offensive linemen Erik Pears and Jordan Devey dont’ inspire much confidence either.
One may hope for positives out of guard Andrew Tiller and tackle Trent Brown. Both flashed promise last year, which may carry over into the 2016 season. But this is offset by the disappointing developments of center/guard Marcus Martin and third-year guard Brandon Thomas.
So it wouldn’t be surprising to see general manager Trent Baalke look to shore up the O-line via the NFL draft. It’s even worthy to think he’ll spend the 49ers’ first-round pick on a player like, let’s say, Notre Dame’s Ronnie Stanley should he be available at No. 7.
Regardless, San Francisco has some serious concerns here despite Davis’ possible return and the hopeful signs from Brown and Tiller.
Look for the 49ers to make a couple of moves in the draft to address these.
Priority 2
Next: Defensive Line