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San Francisco 49ers: 5 Bold Predictions for Training Camp

By Peter Panacy

Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) and quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) take the field for warmups prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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Erik Pears, 49ers
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 /

No. 3: Erik Pears Earns Right Tackle Starting Job

OK, time for a not-so-fun prediction.

Last season, veteran offensive lineman Erik Pears won out the starting job at right tackle. It was a position he held for all but the last two games on the season, when Pears moved inside to right guard and then-rookie Trent Brown was inserted at the far right of the line.

To recap, Pears was one of the biggest liabilities on the Niners O-line last season. He posted a whopping minus-30.7 overall grade and was responsible for 10 sacks, according to Pro Football Focus.

And, at 34 years old, what more should be expected out of Pears entering 2016?

The clear hope here is Brown emerges as the starter this season. But Brown has endured some conditioning issues this season, and he might not be the best fit within head coach Chip Kelly’s inside-zone scheme.

The 2016 selections of rookie tackles John Theus and Fahn Cooper in the NFL Draft open up some additional competition, but it’s a bit of a reach to suggest either player will be a plug-and-play starter on day one.

So it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to see Pears working with first-team units during minicamp, per Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area:

Let’s go with this prediction, even if it isn’t the best-case scenario right now. Pears wins the starting job in Week 1, but it’s anyone’s guess whether or not he retains it for the season’s duration.

Next: No. 2: Aaron Burbridge Earns No. 2 WR Job