Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
Originally posted by Cisco0623:
Hard to say about investing in Purdy (amount) I think both lines have regressed badly. I still believe with an improved o-line this team could easily have 8 wins.
So I guess logically they need to upgrade both lines as a start.
They need to focus on the trenches badly. This team used to dominate up front and that's been going away the last few years. They need to return to that.
I very much agree with your observations and Cisco's as well. However, while both Shanahan and Lynch have drafted well, they've also whiffed a few times on high pick offensive line choices. Puni looks good, so far. But I'm not counting him. The two most recent picks that come to mind, and there have only been two high round picks in the past decade it seems, is McGlinchey in 2018 (1st round) and Banks in 2021 (2nd round).
I would argue that both players have been very good. But in terms of greatness from a high pick? There are some who would argue that ShanaLynch swung for the fences and missed. This is unique in my opinion. Both the HC and GM have drafted well, imo. Both have managed to pick impact players in the later rounds. The 49ers roster is studded with those selections. Kittle, Purdy, Jennings, Greenlaw are just a few. There are others.
But if there is a position that they haven't done as well with, it's offensive line. Puni may turn out to be a great one. Time will tell. But the two men in charge of 49ers Central probably know it's time to strike gold in the next draft or two with some solid line picks (offensive and defensive), and hope they can pick up a real game changer with a late round surprise.
