49ers roster: 3 biggest individual weaknesses heading into 2022
By Peter Panacy
49ers concern No. 1: Center
San Francisco can arguably use schemes to help cover up any deficiencies at nickel cornerback or strong safety.
It might not be so easy at center where the 49ers are still dealing with the ramifications of watching veteran Pro Bowler Alex Mack retire just weeks ago.
The Niners had to be aware of the possibility of this happening, yet they didn’t draft a true center during the offseason, effectively making their only move here by grabbing undrafted free-agent center Dohnovan West out of ASU.
West might work out, yes. But head coach Kyle Shanahan has historically shied away from starting rookies or even second-year players at this vital spot, which will touch the ball every offensive snap.
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This suggests one of two other possible outcomes.
The Niners may elect to start Mack’s primary backup from 2021, Jake Brendel, or they might choose to bump starting right guard Daniel Brunskill over to center instead.
Neither is ideal, though, as Brendel has just three regular-season starts since joining the league in 2016, and moving Brunskill over would create a void at right guard, compounding the reality of already transitioning from Pro Bowler Laken Tomlinson at left guard to second-year pro Aaron Banks.
Not necessarily a spot with a lot of promise.
Next. 4 low-profile, still-important position battles to watch in 49ers training camp. dark