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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Biggest Weaknesses Entering 2016

By Chandler Wright

Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly speaks to the media during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly speaks to the media during minicamp at the San Francisco 49ers Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs the ball as offensive tackle Erik Pears (71) blocks Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kareem Martin (96) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) runs the ball as offensive tackle Erik Pears (71) blocks Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kareem Martin (96) at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1, Right Tackle

Upon former Baltimore Ravens’ tackle Eugene Monroe’s release, the 49ers showed interest, according to Josina Anderson’s verified twitter account.

There are two reasons for this:

No. 1, the 49ers incumbent, Erik Pears, is old and not very good.

Pro Football Focus ranked Eric Pears 50th at his position, with a 42.6 overall grade in 2016. Pears used to be a solid player for the Buffalo Bills, but the 34-year-old tackle is a shell of his former self. He struggled mightily against speed rushers in 2015, and the NFC West features a new fast face, in Arizona Cardinal DE Chandler Jones. The 49ers must replace Pears.

Now for his main potential replacement.

No. 2, Second-Year Pro Trent Brown isn’t in Shape

Trenton Brown is supposed to help stabilize 2015’s putrid line play. But, as the 49erswebzone.com’s staff notes, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says that, “Trent Brown did not appear to be in good shape.”

Furthering that is Barrows’ quote from the media session on May 17th:

"I’m not trying to be mean. I want Brown and Tiller to succeed. They are classic underdogs. But they don’t seem to have taken advantage of the golden opportunity in front of them when the season ended. Both were huffing and puffing and doubled over early in yesterday’s practice. Of course, it’s just mid May and they have room to get into shape before TC. But, gee whiz, Bruce Miller started losing 15 pounds when he learned Chip Kelly was the new head coach. I would have thought/hoped Brown and others would have had the same mindset."

More from Niner Noise

Remember how former first-round wide receiver A.J. Jenkins came into camp as a rookie? He came in roughly 10 pounds overweight, out of shape and Jim Harbaugh was not happy. It’s the quickest way to lose a job in the NFL, being unconditioned. It’s Trent Richardson’s problem right now! There is no excuse in the world for it and the biggest problem is having rookie John Theus as the only other viable option right now.

Let’s pray that Monroe decides to play RT and that the 49ers jump on him. If not, we can all kiss 2016 goodbye already. It’s not even July yet! That can’t happen!

Next: San Francisco 49ers: 5 Rookies Who Could Start in Week 1 of 2016 Season

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com, Sports-Reference.com, 49ers.com and NFL.com unless otherwise indicated.