49ers’ 2019 ‘Who Is?’ series: Offensive lineman Ben Garland
By Peter Panacy
Niner Noise’s 2019 “Who Is?” series looks at San Francisco 49ers reserve interior offensive lineman Ben Garland and how he’ll make the 53-man roster this season.
The San Francisco 49ers didn’t do too much to address their offensive line this offseason, short of a handful of low-key moves to provide some depth.
One of those moves included inking perennial reserve interior offensive lineman Ben Garland to a one-year deal worth $805,000.
Garland, 31 years old, has only started seven games during his seven-year career. Yet he does have some experience with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system, having spent both 2015 and 2016 with the Atlanta Falcons when Shanahan was the offensive coordinator there.
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The Niners have some depth concerns heading into 2019, which could ultimately affect Garland’s chances to make the 53-man roster. He has already been given some extended looks during organized team activities (OTAs), and his familiarity with Shanahan’s offense should do some good, too.
That said, what will Garland need to do to solidify a spot?
Why Ben Garland Improves in 2019
Garland saw limited snaps (42) during his only full season on the active roster under Shanahan, previously, in 2016. According to Pro Football Focus, he accounted for himself well during that brief action, finishing the year with a solid 80.3 overall grade.
Like everything on offense in Atlanta the following two years, however, Garland’s grades decreased, although he saw an uptick in playing time.
A return to Shanahan’s system would appear to do Garland some good, as he has a chance to work within a scheme that plays to his mobility and movement skills.
Why Ben Garland Regresses
Garland has been on the fringes of an NFL roster for some time, and it’s pretty clear you’re not going to see a massively improved lineman between now and the start of the regular season.
Certainly not for a player on the wrong side of 30 years old.
Garland is also a far better run blocker than pass blocker, too. With NFL teams starting to focus more on interior rushers than guys off the edge, Garland’s pass protection could wind up being something of a liability if he winds up seeing ample time this season.
Chances of Making the 49ers’ 53-Man Roster in 2019
One of the key reasons why Garland has an above-average chance of making the cut in 2019 is starting center Weston Richburg‘s knee injury and subsequent surgery, which will likely keep him out until training camp, if not longer.
The 49ers spent big money on Richburg in 2018, and he’ll be given the starting nod once he’s healthy. But having a player like Garland in the mix is valuable, too.
Garland worked with the first team at center during opening week of OTAs, which is an excellent indication the Niners want him to secure a prime reserve role. As long as he’s with the first- or second-team unit between now and through training camp, he’ll stay on the stronger side of the roster bubble.
Next. Predicting 49ers' 2019 offensive line depth chart. dark
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