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San Francisco 49ers: Way-Too Early Predictions for 2017 Starting Lineup

By Peter Panacy

November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) congratulates defensive end Arik Armstead (91) for sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers outside linebacker Aaron Lynch (59) congratulates defensive end Arik Armstead (91) for sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) during the first quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackles Joe Staley (74) and Alex Boone (75) and center Jonathan Goodwin (66) and guard Daniel Kilgore (67) and receiver Kyle Williams (10) before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2011; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackles Joe Staley (74) and Alex Boone (75) and center Jonathan Goodwin (66) and guard Daniel Kilgore (67) and receiver Kyle Williams (10) before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line

Tackles: Joe Staley, rookie

Guards: Zane Beadles, Joshua Garnett

Center: Daniel Kilgore

The 49ers have a four-way competition at right tackle this offseason, which is comprised by offensive linemen Erik Pears, Trent Brown, Fahn Cooper and John Theus — the last two being rookie draft picks.

Pears is a free agent after this season, and it’s doubtful the 49ers bring him back for 2017 even if he makes the roster this year.

So that leaves the competition up for grabs between the latter three. While Brown may be enticing, a lack of physical conditioning prior to 2016 OTAs is a bit of a concern. How well will he operate in head coach Chip Kelly’s uptempo offense?

And while Cooper and Theus could blossom into something useful, let’s not hang our hats on the right tackle spot being totally secure.

It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Niners utilize an early draft pick in 2017 on a day-one starting tackle. Let’s go with that projection.

Free-agent acquisition Zane Beadles should also get a start, unless he totally flops this season, and the Niners will want continued return on their investment on former Stanford guard Joshua Garnett as soon as possible.

At center, Daniel Kilgore isn’t a question mark at all.

Next: Tight End