Tough to argue with Richard Sherman’s analysis
It’s no secret that the San Francisco 49ers offensive line has been up and down this season. That’s to be expected, given where the team has invested. It doesn’t help when the best player on that unit has missed the previous five games.
Against the Miami Dolphins, the 49ers’ offensive line allowed more than double the pressure rate the Miami Dolphins did. Brock Purdy was under pressure on 16 of his 40 attempts.
According to PFF, they charted 16 pressures. Center Jake Brendel led the way with four. Right tackle Colton McKivitz had three, and Spencer Burford, Dominick Puni, and Jaylon Moore each had two. Aaron Banks is the only player not to surrender pressure, but watching the game, you could see him struggling.
Former 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman believes it’s time for the 49ers to make the offensive line a priority:
“That offensive line needs to be the No. 1, 2, and 3 priority this offseason. If you’re going to pay this quarterback all the money you’re going to have to pay him, you’re going to keep him upright so he can be the playmaker that he has been.
This year, he’s been under a lot more durress. He’s had to use his legs more. He’s had to leave the pocket more often than not. It hasn’t been great. Without Trent, it’s looked even worse. You need a right tackle. No, if, ands, or buts. No discussion, no nothing. A right tackle. You need to figure out a center somewhere in the second round. And maybe find a guard in free agency. It looks like you have one in Puni. And I know you can’t just draft them 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, but that’s what I would do. We gone hit on one of them.”
I don’t think anybody would argue with Sherm if the 49ers used their first four picks on the offensive line. He brings up left guard. Banks is a free agent and has done nothing to make you feel like he deserves another contract.
If LSU’s left tackle Will Campbell is available whenever the 49ers pick, that could be your left guard, and pairing him next to Trent Williams would be a massive upgrade. Then, when Williams hangs the cleats up, Campbell could kick out to left tackle again.
There are several ways for the 49ers to upgrade their offensive line. The organization would be wise to take advantage of top picks on a rookie contract after they pay Brock Purdy and now that they have their skill players locked into contracts.