49ers depth chart: 4 backups who see increased roles in 2021

49ers depth chart: Charlie Woerner a fullback?

In most other offseasons without a diminishing salary cap, the Niners would prefer to re-sign their perennial Pro Bowl fullback, Kyle Juszczyk. Him hitting the free-agent market as the cap decreases is a less-than-ideal scenario for Kyle Shanahan, especially considering Juszczyk’s importance to the offense.

While it’s going to be nearly impossible to replicate Juszczyk’s overall impact, San Francisco does have one of the better run-blockers stemming from the 2020 NFL Draft, tight end Charlie Woener, who could be groomed as a would-be Juszczyk replacement.

Granted, Woerner’s route-running abilities during training camp were atrocious, and he was never a serious pass-catching option at Georgia either. He made his name known because of his run-blocking efforts.

But that’s important, and it’s an element of the 49ers depth chart that’s going to be missed if Juszczyk indeed departs via free agency.

The hope would be for Woerner to hone his pass-catching skills, yes. Yet the more important element could be his blocking, which could possibly make the offense’s transition away from Juszczyk a bit more bearable.