The offensive line of the San Francisco 49ers is a group that has taken a lot of flak in recent years. With preseason games about to begin, the group is devoid of any real competition which is sure to upset those who feel the group is weak.
Outside of left tackle Trent Williams, San Francisco's offensive line is not regarded as a very strong unit. Within the 49ers' building, they have a much different assessment of things but that does not change the popular perception that quarterback Brock Purdy does not have much help up front.
After last season, when the team's offensive line issues became more glaring and Purdy was having to scramble and escape the pocket more often, there was some hope that there would be changed, or at the very least competition, up front.
That has not really been the case at all in training camp.
The team did not make any major additions to the offensive line either in free agency or via the NFL Draft, so that is part of the reason why there have not been any major camp battles.
Obviously, Williams is the guy at left tackle as long as he is healthy. It would be a tall order for any player to challenge the future Hall of Famer.
There was some seemingly some potential for competition at left guard with the departure of Aaron Banks, but that competition is seemingly over with Ben Bartch essentially being named the starter already.
While San Francisco may already have center Jake Brendel's future replacement on the team, Brendel seems to be locked in as the team's starter there even though he has drawn the ire of Niners fans in recent years.
Right guard is going to be Dominick Puni's job after a solid rookie campaign in 2024. He believes he still has room to improve, so if he could take another step forward, that would be huge for the O-line.
Right tackle is Colton McKivitz's position to lose with no one to challenge him even though he, too, has been criticized for his play in recent years. He comes into this season in good shape and with more confidence, so maybe this is the season he truly proves himself.
Offensive linemen have an often thankless job, and it is easy to lob criticism at them. One hopes the guys they are will be able to sufficiently block for running back Christian McCaffrey and protect Purdy, but the fact that there has been no real competition up front is cause for at least some concern.
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