Perhaps no position group for the San Francisco 49ers is as repeatedly maligned as the offensive line. For years, there’s been a disparity between the way some fans view the O-line and the way the Niners view that group of players internally.
After the offseason, in which general manager John Lynch and Co. drafted two offensive linemen later in the draft and only made minor free-agent signings to add depth, the criticism only got fiercer from some corners.
Well, after the 49ers have gone four games this season without allowing quarterback Brock Purdy to be sacked, it is time to give some props, both the coaching staff and the front office, who've thus far been absolutely right with their handling of the O-line.
49ers O-line wholly vindicated lack of impact offseason moves
The popular view of San Francisco’s O-line for years has been that is consists of Trent Williams, a future Hall of Famer at left tackle, and then a bunch of average-at-best players.
The Niners are proving that narrative completely wrong this season. Everyone has stepped up and played well. Right tackle Colton McKivitz, a player some fans have been critical of in the past, has showcased this, and Williams even went so far as to say he and McKivitz comprise the best offensive tackle duo in the NFL.
Right guard Dominick Puni looks much better than he did in 2025 when he was dealing with an injury. Puni looks more like the guy who impressed a lot of folks back in 2024 during his rookie season.
Center Jake Brendel, another player who has drawn criticism from segments of 49ers fans, especially on social media, has done a good job, too. And he even has a reception on the year. Whenever the O-line has more receptions than sacks allowed, you know they’re playing well.
Even left guard Connor Colby has played nicely. Left guard was a spot that made for a lot of consternation among some fans, and it wasn’t even totally clear who the starter would be after the preseason. But Colby, a second-year player, has handled duties there nicely and even showed off some speed in Week 4 when he was blocking all the way downfield for fellow Hawkeye George Kittle on his touchdown catch.
It’s only four weeks, and there’s a chance for the Seattle Seahawks to exploit any O-line weaknesses that do exist this upcoming Sunday.
But, so far, the Niners look smart for the decisions they’ve made when it comes to the O-line.
One can only hope that front five stay healthy and continue to play well because we know that Purdy can be pretty dangerous when he has a clean pocket and ample time to throw the football.
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