Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 2018 midterm report-card grades by position

By Peter Panacy

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 25: Mike McGlinchey #69 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – AUGUST 25: Mike McGlinchey #69 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on in the second quarter of a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 25, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

B-. . . . OFFENSIVE LINE

On a positive note, the 49ers offensive line is vastly improved in run blocking compared to last year. The only issue, however, is this has somewhat come at the expense of pass protection.

According to Football Outsiders, the Niners O-line ranks fourth in run support but a lowly 26th in pass protection. True, many of the 27 sacks allowed were the direct result of either quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo or C.J. Beathard holding onto the ball for too long.

Left tackle Joe Staley continues to play at a high level despite turning 34 years old earlier this year. The 49ers have to consider grabbing another starting-caliber tackle after selecting right tackle Mike McGlinchey, who has been excellent in run blocking his rookie year, at No. 9 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Interior O-line play has been OK. But there’s certainly room for an upgrade at one of the two guard spots this offseason.