Mack’s top asset may not be his blocking
New center vows he ‘can be great in this system’ upon signing 3-year deal with 49ers
When Alex Mack talks, the San Francisco 49ers offensive line should listen. Same goes for Jimmy Garoppolo, presuming he’s the 49ers quarterback taking Mack’s snaps.
Mack, 35, could be a boon for the 49ers offense when it comes to communication, aside from the three-time Pro Bowler’s blocking skills.
He explained why on a Thursday video call after officially signing a three-year deal:
“As a center, you’re doing a lot of directing traffic. You’re doing a lot of communication with the whole offensive line. You have experience seeing the (defensive) front. Why that happens is because the center has a very good view of the field.
“If you’re a right tackle, you can’t necessarily see everything over on the left side of the field. A veteran center is able to see everything, to ID the front, to communicate effectively.
“The better you can do that, the more you can get people on the same page, confident in what
they’re doing and moving fast. It’s also an advantage for the quarterback. The quarterback doesn’t have to worry as much about some of the stuff, you can trust the center.
“The better the center can direct traffic and do that stuff, the better the offense can run. And I think I’m pretty good at that. I’ve had the experience, seen the field, can make the calls.”
Ironically, upon his signing and press conference, Mack had yet to talk with Garoppolo, or even left tackle Trent Williams, who tagged Mack on an Instagram Story post early Wednesday morning as Williams announced his six-year deal.
“Trent reached out early on and I was fired up,” said Mack, noting he slept through Williams’ Instagram recruitment and awoke later to a slew of messages. “I’m excited to be on an offensive line with him and the energy he brings and the player he is.
“Jimmy, I haven’t talked to him yet but I’m excited to be on the team and to help contribute.”
What led Mack to the 49ers was simple logic. He excelled in coach Kyle Shanahan’s system when Shanahan was the offensive coordinator with the Cleveland Browns (2014) and Atlanta Falcons (201516).
“I was looking for a team that was competitive and obviously there’s a connection with Kyle Shanahan and the offense he runs,” Mack said. “I know it’s a system I can be really good in and an offense I know I can excel at.”
Mack is also a familiar conduit for Mike McDaniel, the 49ers offensive coordinator who also coached him with the Browns and the Falcons.
“Mike’s always been part of this offense. He knows it backwards and forwards,” Mack said. “I know the energy he brings and how hard he works. I’m excited to have him on board.”
A first-round draft pick out of Cal in 2009 and a Santa Barbara player, Mack knows his NFL experience can work to his and the 49ers’ advantage.
“I’m an older player, no denying that, but I feel I do play well,” Mack added. “My film has been good. I can be great in this system.”
“We are excited to add another Pro Bowl player to our offensive line,” general manager John Lynch said. “Throughout his career, Alex has been a model of consistency. His leadership and high character will be felt throughout our team and community.”
The 49ers have not yet announced Wednesday’s deal with their other Pro Bowl lineman, Williams, who agreed to a six-year, $138 million deal that is reportedly in effect a threeyear, $60 million pact with a three-year team option.