The San Francisco 49ers have used this offseason to invest heavily in their offensive line. Last season, the line was efficient enough to be an above average unit, ranking ninth on PFF's final 2020 offensive line rankings. However, despite grading well for the most part, the offensive line unit had its share of struggles throughout the season, especially when it came to pass protection.
The 49ers allowed the most QB hits in the NFL, and were at the bottom of the league with 39 sacks allowed, an allowed sack rate of 6.40, and conceded 2.4 sacks per game on average per TeamRankings.com. Determined to improve the offensive line, the 49ers allocated salary cap space and spent draft capital to strengthen the position group.
The biggest move was re-signing LT Trent Williams to a six-year, $138 million deal. Williams was ranked as the best overall tackle in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus, with an elite grade of 91.9 on 957 snaps. Williams was terrific in his return to head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense and will be the vital anchor on this line for years to come. Signing Williams prevented the 49ers from having to worry about a left tackle replacement heading into the offseason, and allowed them to focus on other needs via free agency and draft. The importance of re-signing Williams can't be stated enough.
Center was a big area of concern for the 49ers throughout the 2020 season, as they were forced to rotate between Daniel Brunskill, Ben Garland, and Hroniss Grasu due to injuries. The 49ers wasted no time addressing this issue by signing veteran Pro Bowl center, Alex Mack to a three-year, $14.8 million deal. Mack played with Shanahan in 2014 with the Cleveland Browns, and again in 2016 with the Atlanta Falcons. Mack has plenty of experience and is comfortable operating within Shanahan's outside zone scheme. Even though Mack, at 35, is getting older, he has still been the 2nd-highest rated center over the past 4 years (PFF.com), and is one of the best zone blocking centers in the NFL. His addition will bolster this team's ability to run the ball and provide stability to the center position.
The signings of Williams and Mack should solidify the offensive line and allow the 49ers to continue their dominate ground attack, while also protecting the quarterback. These moves alone would have been enough for the 49ers to head into the 2021 season with confidence.
But the 49ers were not done.
The 49ers decided to invest serious draft capital to further reinforce the line and to add much-needed depth. In the second round, the 49ers traded down five spots with the Las Vegas Raiders to grab right guard Aaron Banks from Notre Dame, with the 44th pick. At 6'5", 325 pounds, Banks does not fit the typical physical stature as most of Shanahan's linemen. He is an athletic, big-bodied mauler who uses raw physical power to move defensive linemen off the line of scrimmage. His size and quickness will allow the 49ers to incorporate more inside zone run concepts, while still staying true to the outside zone run. Banks was also a terrific pass blocker in college, allowing only two sacks and 19 total pressures in 443 pass sets over three seasons.
Aaron Banks allowed only two sacks and 19 total pressures in 443 true pass sets over three seasons at Notre Dame. #49ers pic.twitter.com/7MMLjWgqik
— PFF SF 49ers (@PFF_49ers) May 1, 2021
It should not be difficult for Banks to arrive at training camp and compete for a starting spot at right guard next to fellow Notre Dame alum, Mike McGlinchey. Banks could easily have the most impact among this year's rookie class and contribute right away.
Looking to add depth, the 49ers used their fifth-round pick, 155th overall, to draft run blocking specialist Jaylon Moore from Western Michigan. Moore is an exceptional run blocker who is able to move the line of scrimmage with a quick first step and massive frame used to latch onto defensive lineman and direct them out of the play. Moore will likely be a backup lineman but should get plenty of snaps coming off the bench in a swing role as a tackle or guard.
Jaylon Moore improved his run blocking from 62.7 to 75.8 in 2020. He likely projects from tackle to guard. pic.twitter.com/Q7mcO4K0S1
— PFF SF 49ers (@PFF_49ers) May 1, 2021
Making offensive line a top priority this offseason was a smart decision by GM John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, and with the group they have assembled, it is realistic to expect the 49ers should be one of the best units in the game. Regardless of who is playing quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo or Trey Lance, he should be set up for success behind this line.
