How Shon Coleman, Travis Benjamin opting out shakes up 49ers depth chart

How Shon Coleman’s Opt-Out Affects 49ers Depth Chart

Shon Coleman ended up being retained into 2020 as a candidate to compete for San Francisco’s primary swing-tackle role behind the presumed starters, Mike McGlinchey and Trent Williams.

One of Coleman’s primary competitors for this role was the player head coach Kyle Shanahan envisioned doing so last year, then-rookie Justin Skule, who ended up starting a total of eight games in relief of both McGlinchey and the now-retired Joe Staley.

Skule’s service was OK enough for a first-year player, registering a 62.3 overall Pro Football Focus grade. Yet his pass protection was a bit shaky, to say the least, and one can still fairly ask whether or not the Niners have long-term plans for him.

Coleman’s absence opens up the door for Skule to become the primary candidate, however.

In addition, the Niners boast the following as would-be competitors to serve as O-line tackle depth:

• Kofi Amichia
• Daniel Brunskill
• Jaryd Jones-Smith
• Colton McKivitz

McKivitz, the Niners’ fifth-round choice from this year’s NFL Draft, primarily played tackle at West Virginia but pegs to be moved inside to guard at the pro level. That could change with Coleman opting out, however, as the other names on the list are either top competitors for interior roles or aren’t likely to make the cut.