TEAM OVERVIEW
Strengths: Defensive line. Coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch have made the defensive line a priority ever since arriving in San Francisco in 2017 and the roster reflects that. Led by edge rusher Nick Bosa, the Niners have one of the deepest units in the league with
Arik Armstead leading the group inside and Samson Ebukam and rookie Drake Jackson providing support for Bosa on the edge.
Weaknesses: Interior offensive line. While Trent Williams was an All-Pro at left tackle last season and Mike McGlinchey is solid on the right side, the Niners have serious questions on the interior after losing LG Laken Tomlinson in free agency and C Alex Mack to retirement. Jake Brendel, who has started three games since entering the NFL in 2016, has won the job at center and last year’s second-round pick Aaron Banks will start at left guard after barely playing as a rookie.
Camp development: The Niners started camp with veteran Darqueze Dennard having the inside track to replace K’Waun Williams at slot cornerback but fifthround rookie Samuel Womack seized the job and Dennard was released. Expectations: The Niners are counting on Trey Lance (right) to make a seamless transition as starting quarterback and expect that will make them contenders again in the NFC. While his performance in the summer has been inconsistent at times, the 49ers remain confident the player they traded three first-round picks to draft at No. 3 overall in 2021, will ultimately be an upgrade over Jimmy Garoppolo thanks to his running ability and stronger arm. The defense has Bosa, Armstead, LB Fred Warner and new CB Charvarius Ward leading the way. If Lance can be a slight upgrade on Garoppolo, San Francisco should be one of the top teams in the conference.