San Francisco 49ers: 6 Remaining Storylines to Watch This Offseason
The battle for O-line roster spots
Many believe quarterback and wide receiver were the most pressing needs in the draft for the 49ers and San Francisco’s refusal to address them until the sixth round has confused some observers.
But one area that does look stronger following the draft is the offensive line. The 49ers spent three picks on offensive lineman, having also signed guard Zane Beadles in free agency, which should lead to heavy competition for places up front in training camp and preseason.
With left tackle Joe Staley earning a Pro Bowl berth in 2015 and center Daniel Kilgore enjoying a decent season following his return from injury, those spots would appear to be secured. Joshua Garnett – who the 49ers traded back into the first round to get – figures to lock down one of the two guard roles given his ability to pull and get to the second level as a run blocker.
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Beadles, who is familiar with the zone-blocking scheme Kelly is likely to run, should fill the other guard spot but the real position of intrigue is right tackle. Anthony Davis has still not filed for reinstatement and the 49ers appear to have moved on from the possibility that he could return.
Trent Brown is the presumptive starter at right tackle after holding up well in his two starts in 2015 but, at 6’8″ and 355 pounds, may lack the athleticism to succeed in a zone-blocking scheme.
Fifth-round picks John Theus and Fahn Cooper will in all likelihood compete with Brown at right tackle and may have the edge on the former Florida Gator in terms of athletic ability.
Ex-Georgia Bulldog Theus is a particularly mobile lineman, as NFL.com’s Mark Dulgerian explained:
"Theus’ athleticism jumps out on film, so it isn’t surprising Chip Kelly added him. Kelly values technically sound, mobile linemen and Theus checks those boxes. His strength deficiencies were exposed at the Senior Bowl so he’ll need some grooming before he’s ready to see the field."
Cooper, who filled in for Laremy Tunsil when his former Ole Miss teammate was suspended in 2015, is not as big as Theus but is more of a mauler who strikes defenders early, has good set-up quickness and the footwork to hold up in pass protection.
He can also take on linebackers at the next level and redirect to new targets quickly and, having performed proficiently in the SEC, is arguably the favorite to displace Brown at right tackle.
Regardless of what happens in that position battle, the 49ers now have depth at tackle, which could push second-year player Ian Silberman off the roster on the back of his disappointing rookie year and put Erik Pears’ place on the team under threat.
The additions of Beadle and Garnett make things interesting for those who struggled on the interior in 2015. Marcus Martin has not shown the development the 49ers would have expected after two years on the team and Brandon Thomas is yet to play a single NFL snap.
Martin’s ability to play center and guard may help him but, with Andrew Tiller proving one of the 49ers’ better lineman last term and Pears faring better once shifted inside from tackle, he and Thomas are the two most in danger in a fight for places up front that will be crucial to San Francisco’s fortunes going forward.
Next: Which receivers will emerge?