08-03-2022, 01:46 PM
The OL is more of a question mark than an issue to be concerned about at this point, IMO.
One positive for me is the fact rookie Spencer Burford has clearly supplanted the worst 2021 OL starter, Daniel Brunskill at RG. So we know RG will be improved even if a rookie plays there. That leaves LG and C as the questions.
Brunskill has played C before and is in the mix to start there along with Jake Brendel. Niners fans living as prisoners in the moment last year largely declared the current LG, 2nd year former 2nd rd pick, Aaron Banks a bust, but Shanahan said he was close to playing over Brunskill at RG as a rookie after recovering from injury, so he is not a bust. It will be hard to be as consistent as Laken Tomlinson, but if Banks is better than 2021 Brunskill at RG, OL might not be an issue. That said, it does seem OL is the weakest position group on the team. The other groups are just absolutely loaded with top end players.
One more thing about the OL. Some very young guys on the interior are facing an experienced and talented Front 7 that will challenge even the best and most experienced OLs in the NFL.
The Athletic reports 6-1 300 G and UFA Jason Poe has moved to 2nd team and is more than holding his own in 1-1 pass rush blocking drills. That's pretty damn impressive. Even though short with long arms, he has quickness not common to the position and doesn't get pushed around. Will be fun to see him playing the exhibition games.
One positive for me is the fact rookie Spencer Burford has clearly supplanted the worst 2021 OL starter, Daniel Brunskill at RG. So we know RG will be improved even if a rookie plays there. That leaves LG and C as the questions.
Brunskill has played C before and is in the mix to start there along with Jake Brendel. Niners fans living as prisoners in the moment last year largely declared the current LG, 2nd year former 2nd rd pick, Aaron Banks a bust, but Shanahan said he was close to playing over Brunskill at RG as a rookie after recovering from injury, so he is not a bust. It will be hard to be as consistent as Laken Tomlinson, but if Banks is better than 2021 Brunskill at RG, OL might not be an issue. That said, it does seem OL is the weakest position group on the team. The other groups are just absolutely loaded with top end players.
One more thing about the OL. Some very young guys on the interior are facing an experienced and talented Front 7 that will challenge even the best and most experienced OLs in the NFL.
The Athletic reports 6-1 300 G and UFA Jason Poe has moved to 2nd team and is more than holding his own in 1-1 pass rush blocking drills. That's pretty damn impressive. Even though short with long arms, he has quickness not common to the position and doesn't get pushed around. Will be fun to see him playing the exhibition games.