While Trent Williams remains a cornerstone, a glaring void at left guard threatens San Francisco’s Super Bowl aspirations as unproven rookies and veteran question marks vie for starts.
The NFL draft is well in the rear-view mirror as we inch closer to training camp. The San Francisco 49ers enter the offseason period as an NFC contender with a few weaknesses. The weaknesses could be what brings a premature end to the season.
Depth proved to be the weakness for San Francisco last postseason. The injury to tight end George Kittle headlined the many key players that were unable to play in the playoffs. Now, they could have a new Achilles heel to worry about.
ESPN NFL analyst Aaron Schatz discussed where the Niners need to improve the most over the next couple of months. He shares that left guard is the biggest area of weakness for the team. Here's what Schatz had to say about the void at left guard.
"There are four players ready to compete for the position. The probable starter is Connor Colby, who started six games last season as a seventh-round rookie. The 49ers also signed Robert Jones, who started a full season for Miami in 2024 and then signed with Dallas but lost the entire 2025 season to a broken bone in his neck.
The other two options are possible tackle-to-guard conversions from this year's draft: fourth-rounder Carver Willis and fifth-rounder Enrique Cruz Jr. Both players were drafted higher than Scouts Inc. had them ranked for ESPN. (Willis was ranked 206th and went 127th, while Cruz was ranked 258th and went 179th.)"
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks Seattle Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7) during the first half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field. Kevin Ng-Imagn ImagesOffensive line voids can go under the radar, but the unit can prove especially important in the postseason. If the Niners are unable to provide a push from the inside or protect the pocket from the middle, it could prevent the team from reaching its goals.
Star left tackle Trent Williams is back for another season after a two-year contract extension to return to the field in red and gold. Even so, the lack of reliable play next to him could negate whatever advantage that Williams brings to the table.
Fifth round picks typically don't make Year 1 impact right away, but perhaps Kansas offensive lineman Enrique Cruz Jr. can provide a spark. Bringing him up to speed will be the challenge in a first season in the NFL.
The Niners may address the position in free agency, but presently left guard is a significant need for the team. We'll see how the position unfolds over the next few weeks.