49ers’ 5 most important offensive players in 2019
By Peter Panacy
No. 4: Left Tackle Joe Staley
While skill position players get the vast majority of the attention, so many wins and losses occur up front in the trenches. And while San Francisco has spent considerable effort reinforcing its offensive line over the past year-plus, one stalwart earns his way onto this list.
It’s a good thing the 49ers elected to extend veteran left tackle Joe Staley earlier, given he was headed towards free agency in 2020.
San Francisco 49ers
Turning 35 years old later this summer, the Niners do have to think about Staley’s eventual replacement. But not now.
Fortunately, Staley is still playing at a high level, posting a solid 82.2 overall grade last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
If anything, one could make the argument the entire 49ers O-line should be regarded as important this upcoming season. While the O-line was excellent in run blocking, this unit ranked 22nd in pass protection last year, according to Football Outsiders.
That wasn’t exactly Staley’s fault, however, as he remained one of the team’s best pass blockers on the season.
Still, protecting Jimmy Garoppolo’s blind side largely hinges on Staley’s ability to remain as effective a contributor as possible this stage in his career.
It also helps for Staley to continue the Niners’ run-blocking abilities, particularly for this next player.