Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 10 offensive linemen of all time

By Aaron Tan

MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 27: Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to a play while sitting on the bench during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on September 27, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 27-24. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 27: Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts to a play while sitting on the bench during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on September 27, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the 49ers 27-24. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – OCTOBER 14: Guard Mike Iupati #77 of the San Francisco 49ers blocks against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter on October 14, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The Giants won 26-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – OCTOBER 14: Guard Mike Iupati #77 of the San Francisco 49ers blocks against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter on October 14, 2012 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The Giants won 26-3. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /

No. 6: Mike Iupati

This is one of the more recent players on the list, which really shows the lack of quality offensive linemen in recent years for the 49ers.

However, offensive guard Mike Iupati was a very good offensive guard for the team, creating running lanes for Frank Gore for San Francisco for five seasons.

The four-time Pro Bowler was not the greatest pass blocker, but his overall dominant strength and run-blocking ability cements him as a fan favorite and a crucial piece of the multiple playoff runs the 49ers had under former head coach Jim Harbaugh.

Iupati is on the Arizona Cardinals now, but I’ll still be rooting for him whenever I see him on the field.