These 3 49ers absolutely must step up their game the rest of 2024

The San Francisco 49ers have some soul-searching to do, sitting at 5-6. The 2024 season feels like a lost year, and they are going to need to make changes if they want to be better in 2025.

These three players need to step up their game.

The Niners still have a lot of talent on their team, but there are key weaknesses.

Let’s take a look at some weak links on the team.

Center Jake Brendel

We know that for several years, the 49ers’ offensive line has consisted of a powerful left tackle in Trent Williams and then four average-at-best offensive linemen.

That has come into stark relief this year with center Jake Brendel.

His play against the Green Bay Packers in Week 12 was not good, and many on social media have called out missed blocks and a seeming lack of effort at times from Brendel.

An offensive line overhaul may be in order this offseason, and Brendel will almost certainly be on the chopping block unless he shows some real improvement.

Cornerback Isaac Yiadom

The 49ers’ defense has not been great this year. Their secondary is perpetually in need of improvement, and that is especially true at the cornerback position.

While the Niners have a solid cornerback in Deommodore Lenoir and a promising young rookie in Renardo Green, Isaac Yiadom has seemed like the weak link for the Niners at cornerback this year. He has misplayed balls and been burned deep at times.

Yiadom is a veteran player and perhaps he just does not have the same speed to be a solid cornerback anymore.

The Niners should draft another cornerback to replace him so they can get younger and more dynamic on defense unless he turns things around soon.

Right tackle Colton McKivitz

As already mentioned, the Niners need to improve their offensive line. Colton McKivitz has been a boogeyman for fans for several years at right tackle. While he is not completely awful, there is definitely room for improvement.

San Francisco could even consider moving rookie right guard Dominick Puni, despite his rough game against Green Bay, to right tackle while moving on from McKivitz. No matter what, the Niners need to make changes on their offensive line and McKivitz may not be a part of that future unless he steps it up.

The 49ers need to look inward after this disappointing 2024 campaign, and these three players need to turn things around quickly if they want to be a part of the team next year.

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