49ers roster: Predicting 2022 starting offensive lineup

49ers Offensive Line: LT Trent Williams, LG Aaron Banks, C Jake Brendel, RG Jaylon Moore, RT Mike McGlinchey

The 49ers offensive line has one player set in stone, the best offensive lineman in the world and likely the best player in the world, bar none, Trent Williams.

His domination last year was the icing on the cake of an illogically unheralded career, but his power and ability as an offensive lineman have without question put all focus on his domination.

So long as he stays healthy, the Niners will have nothing to fear from the blindside.

After that, things get a little more in the world of the unknown. Mike McGlinchey was playing adequately when healthy last year, but his quad tear last year leaves questions as to his health and strength coming into next year: two things that were already not guarantees for the upcoming fifth-year tackle.

At guard, let’s project two second-year pros, both of whom have major questions to answer.

Jaylon Moore was drafted as a guard, played well enough in training camp to be considered the swing tackle for the year, and throughout the course of the season, continually lost ground in the depth charts. He has to have a big year, and given the way offensive linemen slowly develop, he’s the front-runner to showcase his growth.

Aaron Banks was a second-round pick drafted to showcase his raw power, and he was simply not playable his rookie year. He’s been the recipient of the common “best shape of his life” offseason stories, but until he gets a chance to play, he’s a huge question mark and a major regret from last year’s draft. The hope is that playing his natural position, left guard, will help considerably.

Finally, at center, the Niners enter with Jake Brendel, raved about internally and lauded for his connection with Trey Lance but with no credentials to his name. When surrounded by young inexperienced guards, one would hope San Francisco has stability and leadership at the center spot, and it’s unclear whether Brendel will be able to provide that.