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San Francisco 49ers: 10 Bold Predictions for the 2016 Season

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) and defensive end Arik Armstead (91) celebrate during the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Falcons 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Mike Solari (far left) instructs during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive line coach Mike Solari (far left) instructs during the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: The Niners Offensive Line Finishes as a Top-Five Unit

Now this is bold.

San Francisco’s offensive line was one of the worst in the NFL last season. And that’s not just the frustrations pouring out from fans towards a permeable unit.

Pro Football Focus ranked the Niners O-line 27th in the league last year. This group finished 14th in pass blocking and a lowly 30th in run blocking.

Yeah, that isn’t very good.

But the 49ers spent considerable effort this offseason retooling this unit. Fans likely won’t have to worry about seeing Marcus Martin start at center (thank you, Daniel Kilgore) and guard Jordan Devey is no longer with the team.

Up-and-coming talents like tackle Trent Brown and guard Andrew Tiller flashed promise last year, and the 49ers added free-agent guard Zane Beadles during the offseason — a former Pro Bowler, who should benefit from head coach Chip Kelly’s zone-blocking scheme.

And there should be little-to-no worry about veteran Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Staley either, barring injury (knock on wood).

Throw in 2016 draftees Joshua Garnett, a physical mauler in the running game, and tackles Fahn Cooper and John Theus, and the 49ers finally seem to have put together the necessary concern for this critical group.

Saying the O-line will finish as a top-five unit is pretty bold. But that’s what this slideshow is about, right? And anything would be an improvement over 2015.

Next: 49ers Go a Season Without an Arrest