Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Before Training Camp
By Peter Panacy
![Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports Nov 8, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) and quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) warm up before the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/a68e8d64453ac79be5566bafbc2ed9f8f5059e4f756fc86e6ea0b20611f8eadf.jpg)
Center
Starter: Daniel Kilgore
Backup: Marcus Martin
The 49ers better hope center Daniel Kilgore stays healthy for all of 2016.
Third-year pro Marcus Martin was a disaster for the 49ers offensive line over the course of Kilgore’s 2014-15 knee injury and recovery period. Martin will stay on the roster, as a depth option at best, and could see his production improve — he’s only 22 years old — but Kilgore is, without doubt, the best option here.
Here’s the simple Pro Football Focus comparison:
- Daniel Kilgore — minus-9.5 overall
- Marcus Martin — minus-45.6 overall
Martin’s PFF grade was the worst among all 49ers a season ago. So it’s no wonder the Niners couldn’t get Kilgore back on the field soon enough in 2015.
Considering all the problems San Francisco had along its O-line last year, anchoring the center will go a long way in ensuring those issues aren’t replicated this season.
But it’s not the only concern within this critical unit.
Next: Left Tackle