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San Francisco 49ers: Creating the Ideal Roster in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley (74) warms up with his team prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys.Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley (74) warms up with his team prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys.Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Line

Center: Daniel Kilgore

Tackles: Joe Staley, Trent Brown

Guards: Kevin Zeitler (free agency), Joshua Garnett

The 49ers managed some notable improvement along their offensive line last year. But it wasn’t quite as good as one might think.

According to Football Outsiders, the Niners O-line ranked 30th in pass protection and dead last in run support. Yes, even this group needs some improvement.

Let’s lock down the easy choices — left tackle Joe Staley, right tackle Trent Brown and center Daniel Kilgore. They’re going to anchor the flanks and center.

It’s at guard where we have some questions.

Left guard Zane Beadles is a nice backup. But that’s about it. In theory, he could take over for second-year pro Joshua Garnett at right guard. Yet the Niners would be wise to let Garnett develop in 2017.

Instead, San Francisco dips into free agency and signs Cincinnati Bengals guard Kevin Zeitler to a three-year, $27 million deal.

Zeitler’s 87.1 overall Pro Football Focus grade ranked sixth among all qualified guards last season. And the Niners would have a strong side along the O-line once again.