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San Francisco 49ers: 5 biggest special teams questions in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers punter Bradley Pinion (5) punts the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers punter Bradley Pinion (5) punts the ball during the first half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as San Francisco 49ers long snapper Kyle Nelson (86) prepares to snap the ball against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA
Sep 14, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as San Francisco 49ers long snapper Kyle Nelson (86) prepares to snap the ball against the Minnesota Vikings at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA /

The San Francisco 49ers hope to get solid production out of their special teams unit in 2017. Niner Noise looks at the five biggest questions facing this group with the upcoming NFL season on the horizon.

Special teams units don’t get a lot of love, so let’s dive into the one for the San Francisco 49ers.

Earlier, Niner Noise asked the five biggest questions facing both the offense and defense this upcoming season. You can read them here and here, respectively.

But let’s switch things up a bit and see how the Niners’ special teams bunch will make an impact in 2017.

San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers /

San Francisco 49ers

During the offseason, general manager John Lynch brought in some veteran talent to help out this group. Guys like linebacker Brock Coyle and safety Don Jones should help bolster the coverage units.

In addition, Lynch replaced former 49ers kicker Phil Dawson with former Chicago Bears veteran Robbie Gould.

As is almost always the case with special teams, players making this bunch are often on the fringes on the roster. Frequently, teams place late-round NFL Draft picks and undrafted free agents on special teams to keep them on the roster, all the while adding depth to other positions.

While this group rarely receives the attention it deserves, it’s no less important. Field position, returns and those critical extra-point/field-goal tries can make the difference between a sub-.500 team and a playoff contender.

So let’s dive into some of the biggest questions facing the Niners’ special teams unit heading into 2017.

Starting off with a much-maligned punter Bradley Pinion.