49ers training camp: 5 starting jobs fully up for grabs
By Peter Panacy
49ers starting position No. 3: Center
Players in the mix: Jake Brendel, Keaton Sutherland, Daniel Brunskill, Dohnovan West
Pro Bowler Alex Mack’s retirement just before minicamp was a massive blow, one which the Niners could struggle to absorb as they transition to quarterback Trey Lance on a full-time starter’s basis.
Right now, it appears as if San Francisco is poised to start Mack’s backup from last season, perennial journeyman reservist Jake Brendel, yet Brendel has a whopping total of three regular-season starts dating back to his entry into the league in 2016.
Keaton Sutherland, meanwhile, has only two.
Had the 49ers used a mid- or even late-round draft pick on former Arizona State center Dohnovan West, no one would have complained, so perhaps it’s quite the coup they managed to grab him as an undrafted free agent.
However, Kyle Shanahan has historically shied away from starting rookies or even second-year pros at center, deferring to well-established veterans, which means West will likely have to wait his turn even if he develops nicely during camp.
Instead, the contingency plan for 2022 might have to involve the emergency option shown in 2020, moving Daniel Brunskill over from right guard to center.
Yet that opens up another void, though.