49ers training camp: 5 storylines you didn’t expect to happen (but they did)

Unexpected 49ers training camp storyline No. 3: Spencer Burford saving O-line interior

One of those storylines expected to be a hot topic during 49ers training camp was a perceived weakness along the interior of the offensive line, one highlighted by the losses of left guard Laken Tomlinson and center Alex Mack this offseason.

That concern hasn’t totally gone away, and both the left guard and center spots remain a potential pain point.

However, a rather surprising development has been just how good rookie lineman Spencer Burford has looked at right guard, even earning some praise from Trey Lance along the way:

"Spencer’s done a great job. I think he’s started almost every single first team right with us. So, he’s done a great job, super mature dude. … I had high expectations for him coming in. I had watched him play and yeah, he’s lived up to all of it and he’s done a great job."

Read More: Spencer Burford has been 49ers’ best rookie during training camp

The former UTSA lineman, whom the Niners selected in Round 4, has started the bulk of first-team reps thus far through camp, and it doesn’t look as if he’ll relinquish those duties anytime soon.

Previously, the general consensus was veteran lineman Daniel Brunskill would earn that spot if he didn’t have to take over at center. While Brunskill could eventually be tabbed as the starting center this season, it doesn’t appear as if Burford will be demoted regardless of what happens to his immediate left.