3 underrated 49ers players vital for success in 2023

49ers Player No. 3: Jake Brendel, Center

Offensive linemen have a hard time of it when it comes to popularity contests. Very seldom does a blocker capture the attention of any (but the most diehard) fans and yet you simply will not win a Super Bowl without good blocking.

The 49ers somewhat buck this rule with the popularity and acknowledged generation talent of left tackle Trent Williams but less acknowledged and yet almost as important is the contributions of center Jake Brendel.

Brendel came from nowhere to be a crucial cog in the 49ers' run to the NFC Championship, going from backup to starter when Alex Mack suddenly retired. While Brendel wasn't quite on the same level as Mack, he certainly was no liability either and was rewarded with a lengthy extension to be the starting center for the next four years.

The center position is the most important spot on the offensive line other than the blindside protector, and it'll be on Brendel to prove that 2022 wasn't just a fluke. The 49ers have shown they have confidence in him, and it's on him to repay that confidence.

People might not see Brendel as an important player to get the 49ers to the Super Bowl, but the truth is that on the offense he might be the most important guy nobody is thinking of right now.

Read more from Niner Noise