It’s not exactly a secret the 49ers offensive line is one of the biggest weaknesses on the roster. Even with Trent Williams manning the left tackle spot, there are still enough question marks that keep this unit at the bottom of any 49ers position group power rankings.
There weren’t any major changes in this offseason, but there were some interesting moves on the margins that should give us a few questions to answer as the team goes through training camp.
Here are four key questions for San Francisco’s offensive line in camp:
1. Who’s starting at RG?
It isn’t entirely clear what the 49ers’ plan is at right guard. Spencer Burford was handed the spot entering camp last year, but he eventually lost his spot to veteran Jon Feliciano. Feliciano and Burford are both back this season. They both figure to be in the mix at RG. Third-round pick Dominick Puni should also get a real chance to start at that spot. Ben Bartch may also factor in. There are a ton of players who could start at right guard. Who ultimately wins the job will be perhaps the biggest question the 49ers will answer in camp.
2. Is there a real competition at RT?
Colton McKivitz wasn’t bad as a starting right tackle last season. It’s absolutely a spot San Francisco could upgrade though. McKivitz didn’t face any real competition last training camp. This year it’s unclear whether he’ll be handed the starting gig again or if players like Chris Hubbard and Brandon Parker (or Puni) will get chances to wrestle that starting gig away from the incumbent. We should learn early on where McKivitz’s job security is based on which players are rotating in with the starters.
3. Has the depth improved?
While there are questions in the starting unit, depth has also been a concern for San Francisco the last handful of years. They’ve been one injury away from being really up against it on the offensive front. This year with some of the moves they’ve made on the fringes they could give themselves an opportunity to have a deep group where an injury or two doesn’t cost the club much in the way of productivity up front. It’ll be worth watching how the starting group shakes out, but the second and third-team reps will tell us a lot about whether the overall depth at the weakest area of the roster has improved.
4. What position does Puni play?
The third-round pick from Kansas primarily played offensive tackle in college and was very good there. He was stellar at left guard as well, however, and he profiles as a guard in the NFL. Signs point to him competing at right guard. It isn’t out of the realm of possibilities though that he’s just their best option at right tackle. It’ll be interesting to see where he lines up and if he gets any shot at offensive tackle.
