Niner Noise
FanSided

The top question facing each NFL team entering 2017

By Peter Panacy

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 31: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts before a preseason game with the New York Giants at Gillette Stadium on August 31, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 7: Tackle Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers prepares to block against the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter on December 7, 2014 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 24-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 7: Tackle Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers prepares to block against the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter on December 7, 2014 at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 24-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

San Francisco 49ers

How big a liability will the offensive line be in 2017?

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Like the Browns, the 49ers are in the initial phases of a complete rebuild. Fortunately, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have already made numerous strides to vastly improve this woeful team from a year ago.

The defense, especially up front, should be much better. And the Niners improved both their wide receiver crop and have some promising pieces on the ground.

Speaking of offense, little of it will matter if San Francisco can’t get its offensive line into shape. Last year, Football Outsiders ranked the 49ers O-line 30th in pass protection and dead last in run blocking.

Outside of some minor depth changes, this group looks nearly identical entering 2017.

Shanahan’s complex offense requires the O-line to effectively manage its blocks. Based on some preseason observations, the Niners may struggle mightily here this season.