5 reasons to be nervous about the 49ers in 2023
By Peter Panacy
![San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_5281,h_2970,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/GettyImages/mmsport/42/01h9d36w443bj5yqsz63.jpg)
No. 2: 49ers offensive line is far too permeable
The 49ers do have a bit of a positive history in finding relatively unknown offensive linemen and turning them into quality players, the two most recent examples being journeyman center Jake Brendel and 2022 rookie right guard Spencer Burford.
Entering 2023, the hope is for right tackle Colton McKivitz to shine after being drafted on day three back in 2020 and seeing mere backup action since then. He's taking over for now-Broncos tackle Mike McGlinchey, and it's a notable downgrade for a Niners O-line that boasts only one true household name in All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams.
According to Pro Football Focus, San Francisco's O-line enters the season ranked 18th entering 2023.
That's not necessarily a good spot to be in. And the 49ers depth here isn't particularly great either, meaning an injury or two to a starter could be absolutely devastating.
Perhaps less-known names like McKivitz and Burford impress, but that wouldn't be a safe bet.