I got to ask Eric Branch a question last week:
@Invader49er: Is Chris Foerster the 49ers’ best offensive line coach since Bobb McKittrick?
Yes? It’s hard to assess the impact of NFL position coaches, but it helps to ask a question: How much do they get out of the talent they’re given?
It’s why McKittrick is a legendary figure. The 49ers used one first-round pick on an offensive lineman in his 21 seasons (1979-1999) — selecting tackle Harris Barton with pick No. 22 in 1987 — and won their five Super Bowls during that span. That was partly because of McKittrick’s water-into-wine work. The 49ers’ starting line in their last Super Bowl win included Derrick Deese (undrafted), Jesse Sapolu (11th round) and Guy McIntyre (third).
“He has developed more offensive-line knowledge than anyone, ever,” Bill Walsh once said. “His men have played longer, with better technique, more production, fewer injuries. In every possible category you can measure, he’s right at the top.'”
Foerster is similar. His ability to develop unheralded players has also shaped the 49ers’ draft approach, leading them to prioritize skill-position players with their offensive picks (and causing some fans to lose their minds). The 49ers’ $45 million right tackle, Colton McKivitz, is a fifth-round pick. Center Jake Brendel (undrafted) has become a solid four-year starter after starting just three games before age 30. Guard Dominick Puni (third round) is clearly a keeper.
The 49ers have had other well-regarded offensive-line coaches between McKittrick and Foerster, most notably Mike Solari (2010-14), who oversaw strong units in the Jim Harbaugh era. But Solari also had the benefit of working with three first-round picks: Joe Staley, Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis.
