Ranking every NFL team’s offensive supporting cast post-draft
5. San Francisco 49ers
RB: Raheem Mostert, Tevin Coleman, Jeff Wilson, Kyle Juszczyk (22/25)
This running back group isn’t flashy, but they all have certain skill sets that just seem to mesh well in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Raheem Mostert had a dominant end to last season, getting more time as the lead runner and rushing for over 200 yards in the NFC Championship game.
Tevin Coleman was used as a goal-line runner and partook in the receiving game. Even Jeff Wilson and Kyle Juszczyk made several big plays last season. Kyle Shanahan just knows how to find good running backs, and this group is an all-around solid unit.
WR: Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jalen Hurd, Kendrick Bourne (19/25)
Shanahan also likes wide receivers who can play multiple roles. Deebo Samuel broke out towards the end of last season, putting up three 100-yard games since Week 8 and scoring six total touchdowns on the season (three receiving and three rushing).
Aiyuk was drafted in the first round to be Emmanuel Sanders’ replacement; he’ll act as a possession receiver on the outside who can create yards after the catch with ease. Hurd was injured last season, but he has a similar build to Samuel where he can spend time at receiver and tight end.
TE: George Kittle, Ross Dwelley (23/25)
George Kittle makes up most of this ranking, as he’s clearly a top-three tight end in the NFL. Despite missing several games, he once again surpassed 1,000 yards receiving and was the most targeted player on the 49ers. Ross Dwelley was serviceable in relief of Kittle, but there is no doubt Kittle makes this offense move.
Offensive Line: Trent Williams, Laken Tomlinson, Weston Richburg, Tom Compton, Mike McGlinchey (24/25)
Despite losing Joe Staley to retirement, the 49ers were quick to find his replacement; San Francisco acquired Trent Williams from the Redskins for a fifth-round pick this year and a 2021 third-round pick. McGlinchey and Williams book-end a line that produced one of the best rushing units in the league and only gave up 36 sacks on the season.
Total Score: 88 /100
Summary: I personally believe Jimmy Garoppolo receives unwarranted criticism for his performance last year, as he led his team to the Super Bowl despite missing most of the 2018 season. Nonetheless, he has all of the weapons he could ask for in an offense that should be just as dynamic as it was the year before. I expect Garoppolo to improve on his 13 interceptions and 102 quarterback rating with the weapons at his disposal this year.