Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Player locks for starting positions in 2018

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Adrian Colbert #38 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Tavarres King #12 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Adrian Colbert #38 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Tavarres King #12 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a play against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

Tackles: Joe Staley, Trent Brown

The 49ers have their tackle positions set, as veteran left tackle Joe Staley continues to play well, and right tackle Trent Brown (when healthy) is one of the better pass protectors in the league right now.

At least according to the Denver Broncos’ Von Miller.

The interior spots are where question marks reside. Both center Daniel Kilgore and right guard Brandon Fusco are unsigned for 2018. It’s possible both are re-signed during the offseason, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Niners look for upgrades in free agency or the NFL Draft.

Guard should also see some spirited competition between Laken Tomlinson and Joshua Garnett (IR, knee).

Tomlinson had his share of struggles in 2017, although he did finish the year out strong, earning an 87.6 overall game grade in the Niners’ Week 17 contest versus the Los Angeles Rams, per Pro Football Focus.

Garnett might have the edge for a starting role at one of the two guard spots. But given the pending moves the 49ers may make this offseason, we can’t consider him a lock just yet.