I got to ask Eric Branch a question last week:
@Invader49er:
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.
You had me at five Superbowl wins, 👋!
ReplyDeleteI want that 6th SB just as bad AES!
DeleteI know you do Razor. We've been waiting for quite some time now. Hopefully 2026 is the year. The window may be closing soon for players like TW, Kittle (due to injuries), CMC, and I'll add Mike Evans to the short list.
DeleteAs much as I want a SB win for the 49ers and the Faithful. I would really love to see these veterans get their rings.
“My prediction would be Carver Willis, the rookie the 49ers took in the 4th-round.”
ReplyDelete— Matt Maiocco on who he expects to be the 49ers starting left guard this season
JonnyDel's Backup
ReplyDelete@SulligentHUB
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1h
I'm gonna go over Carver Willi's film on Friday - I think he's gonna have the inside track. They'll never tell him that, because they want rookies to earn every snap, but his film looks like a 49ers guard, 100%
Tom Pelissero was asked if the 49ers 2026 draft class doesn’t work out, should John Lynch be fired:
ReplyDelete“I don’t see a world where John Lynch ever gets fired by the 49ers. Same thing with Kyle Shanahan. They have stabilized that franchise. If you remember how things were for several years before they got there, it was a constant churn. It was the end of the Jim Harbaugh era, which became the Jim Tomsula era, which became the Chip Kelly era. The 49ers are competitive year after year. They certainly, I think it’s fair to say, have supplemented a lot through trades and at times, through free agency because they’ve had some misses in the draft.”
I agree. Don't see a world where Jed sacks Shanahan. I think he'll coach the 49ers as long as he wants to.
Caught this little tidbit on Trent Baalke.
ReplyDelete"The 49ers won plenty of games during Baalke's first three seasons as the GM. San Francisco went to three NFC championship games (2011-13) and went to Super Bowl XLVII as Baalke claimed the 2011 NFL Executive of the Year award in his first season on the job."
Every Head Coach and GM is susceptible. But, for now, I also agree with Pelissero.
NFL Executive of the Year award and then put Jenkins name in an envelope. The rest as we say is history.
DeleteYup.
DeleteThat's what happens when you're full of yourself. Humility slaps you down. That's one of the things I like about Shanahan and company. He preaches humility.
DeleteI would absolutely choose Solari as the next best O line coach since McKittrick. Yes he did have 3 1st round picks on his O line but a big part of the reason Foerster hasn't had as many high drafted players is that is his philosophy for building O lines. Lets be honest here, he has coached his share of highly drafted O linemen during his time with the 49ers. 4 of his starting O linemen were 1st round picks and 2 were 2nd round picks.
ReplyDeleteSolari wouldn't make a pimple on Foerster's ass.
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