49ers offseason: 5 roster moves San Francisco should make in 2018
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Find a Swing Tackle in Free Agency or the NFL Draft
Attrition along the offensive line is a concern for every NFL team. The 49ers are no different.
San Francisco 49ers
Left tackle Joe Staley is aging, and there are concerns about right tackle Trent Brown’s recent injury history and long-term prognosis with the team.
As far as depth? Well, San Francisco doesn’t exactly have adequate options there either. Undrafted rookie Erik Magnuson might show some promise after more development. But Garry Gilliam? Probably not. Zane Beadles? Probably not either.
Beadles is signed through 2018, and his ability to play all five positions along the O-line increases his stock value. But his 32.9 Pro Football Focus grade would have ranked 83rd out of 85 qualifying tackles (Beadles was graded as a center).
Despite the lackluster production, Beadles still saw 395 total snaps in 2017.
A swing tackle is needed this offseason, ensuring a short- or long-term loss of Staley and/or Brown won’t hinder the team’s offense too much. The route itself doesn’t matter, be it through the NFL Draft or free agency.
Although the latter might be something to consider, as the Niners have plenty of cap space and could look within the NFC West to possible cap casualties. One target we mentioned previously was Arizona Cardinals tackle Jared Veldheer, who could be cut this offseason.
Remember, depth is just as crucial as a good starting lineup.