San Francisco 49ers show commitment to new offensive line identity

The San Francisco 49ers have had success running the ball over the last four seasons. But the offensive line was questionable in pass protection until recent additions. 

Offensive line struggles were an issue all throughout the 2020 season for the San Francisco 49ers. Having two returning tackles going into 2021, San Francisco has ameliorated the rest of their offensive line identity after adding a rookie guard and veteran center.

Of course, San Francisco started off the 2021 NFL Draft by answering weeks worth of questions about which quarterback they would take with the No. 3 overall pick. They landed on Trey Lance, who Kyle Shanahan said in the post-NFL Draft press conference after the first round was their guy since January.

But the alterations to the offensive line’s identity as they prepared to bring in a young quarterback started in free agency when San Franciso acquired veteran Alex Mack and also re-signed Trent Williams. Having a seasoned player at center will help a young quarterback tremendously. Mack, who played under Shanahan for the Browns and Falcons, is also quite familiar with the offensive scheme.

Last season, the run game wasn’t as strong as 2019, which went along with the protection issues in the passing game. Part of that was due to injuries and Weston Richburg being out, which Mack will hopefully alleviate. However, the entirety of the interior O-line had the most trouble against premier pass-rushing defensive tackles.

Clearly with that in mind, they drafted AP All-American Aaron Banks from Notre Dame at 48th overall, the second pick of their draft class after Lance. Banks is the highest-drafted interior offensive lineman for San Francisco since Joshua Garnett in 2016. Both players were drafted in the second round but Garnett only contributed as a rookie before seeing a stark decline.

Banks’ high-caliber pass-blocking will make him an immediate starter. And his 335-pound frame gives him the power to be effective in the run game. Pairing Banks with the veteran Mack strengthens the Niners offensive line immediately.

Later in the draft, the 49ers also selected Jaylon Moore in the fifth round. Moore has versatility as he played tackle in college but can play guard in the NFL. In 1,129 pass-blocking snaps at tackle, per PFF on Twitter, he allowed just 28 QB pressures while at Western Michigan. In short, he has proven his value in pass protection where the Niners’ offensive line has lacked the most.

Banks will be a day one starter and Moore will be a developmental piece. As the 49ers figure out where to plug him in, Moore will be able to learn from a group of veterans. It’s unknown if Trey Lance will beat out Jimmy Garoppolo for the starting quarterback job in Week 1. Ultimately, however, whoever starts will have a dramatic improvement in pass-protection in front of them, which should help San Francisco in the immediate and long term.