San Francisco 49ers: Early predictions for 2017 depth chart, 53-man roster
By Peter Panacy
Offensive Line (7)
Center: Jeremy Zuttah, Tim Barnes
Left Guard: Daniel Kilgore, Zane Beadles
Right Guard: Joshua Garnett
Left Tackle: Joe Staley
Right Tackle: Trent Brown
The 49ers did some minor tweaking to their offensive line over the offseason. One of the first moves was to trade for Pro Bowl center Jeremy Zuttah, and he’s a favorite to take over the starting job from Daniel Kilgore.
Kilgore, who posted a 72.8 Pro Football Focus overall grade last year, winds up bumping out to left guard. This moves Zane Beadles (40.2 overall) into an uber-backup role and swing tackle. He played three positions along the O-line last season, so the flexibility here keeps him on the roster.
Picking up Tim Barnes in free agency was a wise move, and he’ll also double as a backup interior lineman. But we shouldn’t expect other free-agent additions, Brandon Fusco or Garry Gilliam, to make the roster.
San Francisco will hope former first-round draft pick Joshua Garnett improves upon a disappointing rookie year in 2016.
And while Joe Staley’s age and Trent Brown’s fit aren’t ideal situations to be in, it’s the best the Niners can roll with at the current moment.