Jarrett Kingston has the tools to thrive within 49ers offense

The San Francisco 49ers' lack of focus on the offensive line through the majority of the 2024 NFL Draft was interesting, given how it was perhaps the biggest need on an otherwise stacked roster.

Third-round pick Dominick Puni was one addition, lauded for his versatility as well as his potential inside, but the Niners needed to stack up depth at a position that had grown a little stagnant for them.

Enter Jarrett Kingston.

Kingston, a guard who played his last season at USC after transferring from Washington State, was selected by San Francisco with the 215th overall pick. A sixth-round selection, he allowed four sacks and 12 quarterback hurries in his final year blocking for the No. 1 overall pick, Caleb Williams.

What Jarrett Kingston will bring to the 49ers

Kingston fits the 49ers' modus operandi for interior offensive linemen, with a 92 overall athleticism score, per NFL.com, that ranked third among all guards at the NFL Scouting Combine. He has the speed and athleticism to run-block efficiently in a zone-blocking scheme, which the Niners employ.

Kingston also offers versatility, too. He played every position along the O-line except center, and he is a high-IQ player whose technique allows him to overcome any physical limitations, per Lance Zierlien of NFL.com.

What to be concerned about

Kingston played the tackle position in college, but he is not long enough and doesn't have long arms to play it in the NFL, almost assuredly removing any potential versatility on the exterior offensive line.

Zierlien's scouting report identified a weakness against athletic pass-rushers who can attack either gap, and his performance in college was not exceptional.

How he fits in with the 49ers

Kingston will slot in as competition for the backup interior linemen spots, along with Puni, Nick Zakelij, and the incumbent starters. The former Trojan adds a level of athleticism to the group that should shake up the backups, who have been largely the same for the last couple of years.

Zierlien noted that Kingston may have a path to being a starter if he can learn how to snap the football and transition to being a center.

That level of versatility may offer Kingston his best chance to stick with San Francisco.

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