49ers training camp 2021: 5 hottest storylines so far

No. 2: 49ers offensive line is going to be notably better

Injuries played a massive part last season, yes. But if there was one complete unit, outside of quarterback, which drew the brunt of the Niners’ offensive frustrations in 2020, it was the offensive line.

Left tackle Trent Williams wasn’t a problem, no. Some could argue left guard Laken Tomlinson was fine, too.

But from that point to the right, this unit was chock full of question marks. Fortunately, all of those have been addressed as well as possible.

It was possible to see this when pads officially came on, as pointed out by Jordan Elliott of Niners Nation:

"Alex Mack was clearly the best player on the field Tuesday. On his first rep during 11-on-11’s, Mack pancaked Javon Kinlaw, and the two engaged in a minor tussle following the play in the first real chippy exchange of camp. Mack followed that up with another dominating rep against Kinlaw and finished practice with multiple pancakes of first-team interior defensive lineman. Mack’s veteran savvy was on full display Tuesday, and his experience will pay great dividends for Kinlaw’s development as the two engage in one on one battles in the trenches over the course of camp. The interior of the offensive line looked as strong as it has in years, and the unit as a whole looks extremely stable, with Mack anchoring the middle."

Read More: Alex Mack’s presence makes a huge difference for 49ers

Mack’s presence solves so much about this unit, highlighted by just how important centers are in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

Heck, even right tackle Mike McGlinchey has added some much-needed weight during the offseason and appears much stronger than he was when he was having trouble with bull rushers a year ago.