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San Francisco 49ers: 5 second-year players with the most to prove in 2017

By Peter Panacy

Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) talks with wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) talks with wide receiver Quinton Patton (11) on the sidelines in the fourth quarter. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers offensive guard Joshua Garnett (65) looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; 49ers offensive guard Joshua Garnett (65) looks on from the sideline during the second half of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. San Francisco won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Offensive Guard Joshua Garnett

No second-year player on San Francisco’s roster has more to prove in 2017 than last year’s first-round pick, offensive guard Joshua Garnett.

Garnett is still learning the aspects of a zone-blocking scheme. And while his run-blocking efforts are what earned him the Outland Trophy — awarded to the best collegiate interior lineman — in 2016, Garnett’s Pro Football Focus run-blocking grade last year was a paltry 42.4.

Paired with a 40.4 pass-blocking grade, it’s safe to say Garnett’s rookie season was a disappointment.

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“I thought it was typical,” Stanford head coach David Shaw said, via Joe Fann of 49ers.com, in his evaluation of Garnett’s rookie year. “It’s a different world between college and the NFL on the line of scrimmage. It’s night and day. There’s an adjustment period, no matter how good you are.”

To spark Garnett, the 49ers brought in free-agent linemen Brandon Fusco, Tim Barnes and Garry Gilliam. The Niners also added interior lineman Jeremy Zuttah, a 2016 Pro Bowler, via a trade.

San Francisco likely won’t turn its back on Garnett in 2017. It’s still far too early to write him off altogether, but Garnett will need to show a lot more this season to prove he’s a long-term fixture for an offensive line needing massive changes over the next few years.

Next: 5 bubble-watch players who make the 49ers roster

Hopefully Garnett winds up being a part of the solution.