Predicting 49ers 2016 Depth Chart Before Training Camp
By Peter Panacy
Left Guard
Starter: Zane Beadles
Backup: Andrew Tiller
The 49ers picked up former Jacksonville Jaguars offensive guard Zane Beadles in free agency this offseason, and there’s a good chance the 2012 Pro Bowler returns to that kind of form within head coach Chip Kelly’s zone-blocking scheme.
At least according to Pro Football Focus’ Jeff Deeney:
Zane Beadles best year was 2012 when he ranked 16th of 81 guards with a +17.1 grade. Has had most success in zone-blocking scheme....
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) March 17, 2016
Beadles had a shaky two years in JAX, but played every snap. +1.5 overall grade in 2014 dropped to -14.6 in 2015 with move away from ZBS.
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) March 17, 2016
Beadles will be tasked with replacing former 49ers guard Alex Boone, who left via free agency, at the left spot. The former’s best attributes come in run support, which was an area of issue for the Niners offensive line a year ago.
It’s hard to consider Beadles a total upgrade over Boone — he’s not — but he’s certainly a solid option over many of the other 49ers interior lineman.
One argument is for fellow guard Andrew Tiller to earn the starting job. Tiller flashed some solid moments towards the tail end of last season, so it’s possible he gets a nod somewhere. But it’s hard to see San Francisco’s major free-agency acquisition being tabbed as a mere backup right away.
Next: Right Guard