Investing in offensive linemen has never been a priority for the San Francisco 49ers, as revealed by the team’s offensive line coach, Chris Foerster. Foerster believes that it is more important to focus on players who can touch the ball and score touchdowns. This philosophy has been evident in the team’s draft choices in recent years. In 2019, despite fans hoping for a tackle, the 49ers selected a safety, kicker, and tight end instead. Similarly, in the most recent draft, offensive tackle was a popular prediction, but the team chose receiver Ricky Pearsall.
However, it’s important to note that while the 49ers prioritize skill positions, they do not ignore the offensive line completely. They did consider selecting Washington tackle Roger Rosengarten in the second round but missed out when the Baltimore Ravens picked him just before their turn. They ultimately chose Dominick Puni from Kansas in the third round, whom they plan to play at guard. Additionally, they selected USC’s Jarrett Kingston in the sixth round, who has also been lining up at guard during spring practices.
General manager John Lynch explained that finding a tackle they truly love can be challenging when drafting late in the first round. The team’s philosophy seems to be influenced by the successful Denver Broncos teams of the 1990s, coached by Mike Shanahan. Despite not having a star-studded offensive line, the Broncos won Super Bowl championships with future Hall of Famers like John Elway and Terrell Davis leading the offense.
Foerster emphasizes that having five first-rounders on the offensive line is not necessary for success. He believes that as long as the line is above a certain threshold, the team can survive. The 49ers’ offensive line consists mostly of middle or late-round picks, with Jon Feliciano, Ben Bartch, Spencer Burford, Nick Zakelj, and Jake Brendel all being drafted in later rounds or going undrafted.
However, the team has made exceptions when it comes to certain positions on the offensive line. They traded for Trent Williams in 2020 and signed him to a lucrative contract extension, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman at the time. Williams is considered a potential Hall of Famer, but his future beyond the 2024 season remains uncertain as he approaches his mid-30s.
This raises concerns about the team’s lack of investment in potential successors for Williams. If he decides to retire, the 49ers will have to rely on backups like Jaylon Moore and Brandon Parker, who are not currently signed for the next season. While the 49ers don’t need five elite blockers, there is a risk of being too frugal at the position. Falling below a certain level of offensive line play can create significant problems for the team.
In conclusion, the San Francisco 49ers have a philosophy of prioritizing skill positions over offensive linemen in their draft strategy. While they have found success with this approach in the past, it is crucial to strike a balance and ensure that the offensive line remains above a certain threshold to avoid major issues. The team’s reliance on middle to late-round picks and their limited investment in potential successors for Trent Williams could pose challenges in the future.