3 reasons why 49ers offensive line is strongest position in 2021
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: 49ers’ offseason O-line additions will make a difference
Re-signing left tackle Trent Williams was one of San Francisco’s biggest offseason priorities, so as long as there aren’t any injuries there, fans can cross off that spot along the offensive line as a potential worry point.
Instead, the biggest question was at center, where the 49ers solved the revolving-door issue from a year ago by adding a former head coach Kyle Shanahan protege, six-time Pro Bowler Alex Mack.
Mack, who’ll turn 36 years old this season, might not be the same caliber player he was during his Pro Bowl heyday. But considering he has an excellent history against injuries and the Niners won’t have to rely on the Hroniss Grasus of the NFL world, it’s not hard to see why Mack is a massive difference-maker.
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Yet the kickers could be the rookies: Aaron Banks in Round 2 and Western Michigan’s Jaylon Moore in Round 5.
Let’s not overhype Moore here, as day-three NFL Draft picks should receive only modest expectations right out of the gate. But Banks is a potential plug-and-play player, who didn’t allow a single sack during his final year with the Fighting Irish and is known for his powerful frame and bully-like mentality.
Those attributes should work out well enough in addition to him solidifying another weak spot on last year’s roster.
Pushing other experienced reserves down the depth chart, Banks’ addition is another key reason why the Niners O-line has to be viewed as the team’s top strength entering 2021.
And that’s a very, very good thing.