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San Francisco 49ers: Expectations for the 5 Worst Players in 2016 Season

By Peter Panacy

Aug 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks off the field after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) walks off the field after the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 19-12. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Erik Pears (71) looks on against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Erik Pears (71) looks on against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Lineman Erik Pears

2015 PFF Grades:

  • Overall: minus-30.7
  • Pass Blocking: minus-12.3
  • Run Blocking: minus-19.6
  • Penalty: plus-0.2

The right side of San Francisco’s offensive line last season was a major liability for the offense and, likely, a major reason why the 49ers finished dead last in total points scored (238).

So it’s pretty easy to point a lot of fingers at right tackle Erik Pears, especially considering the right side of the O-line was the biggest area of weakness.

It’s a worthy argument to suggest Pears’ numbers weren’t helped by the wholly ineffective play of former right guard Jordan Devey for much of 2015. But Pears did allow 10 sacks and 37 quarterback pressures, per PFF, which ranked highest on the team.

To be fair, Pears wasn’t supposed to start last season. He was a swing tackle forced into a starting role following the sudden retirement of tackle Anthony Davis.

Now, at least, Pears will have some competition — even after losing his starting job to then-rookie Trent Brown. Brown, and current rookie tackles John Theus and Fahn Cooper, are also vying for the starting right tackle gig.

Although Pears started San Francisco’s OTA sessions with the first unit, per Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.

One shouldn’t read too much into this, although there is an argument to have an O-line jell as soon as possible. Keep an eye on training camp and the preseason though.

Even if Pears is relegated to a second-team unit, the 49ers likely won’t part ways with him for the upcoming season. Pears can occupy both a swing-tackle role and play both guard positions. The versatility out of a veteran makes him a decent backup option, if not an ideal starter.

Next: C/OG Marcus Martin