The start of OTAs is another benchmark in the offseason as NFL teams prepare for training camp and the upcoming season. Position battles take a fairly significant step forward, with players looking to build some momentum heading into training camp.
Last week, Pro Football Focus put together a rundown of the best position groups across the league, starting with quarterback, and working their way to the other side of the ball, and wrapping with special teams. They included the top at each position, plus two runner-up teams.
It is not all that surprising that the 49ers did not end up on the list. They’ve got some talented players, but they need to grow in a lot of areas. The Philadelphia Eagles led the way with four appearances, including one winner and three runner-ups. The Los Angeles Rams had three appearances, including leading defensive interior and special teams and runner-up in secondary.
The 49ers will continue to grow this year and into next offseason, but in the meantime, what do you think is the team’s best position group?
Quarterback could be if Jimmy Garoppolo continues to build on last year. C.J. Beathard remains a raw product, but he is a very capable backup as the team transitions into a playoff contender.
After that, it’s still a little early to tell from a lot of positions. The team has invested heavily in the defensive line, and I’m a big fan of the potential in the group, particularly on the interior. On base downs, DeForest Buckner will pair with some combination of Earl Thomas, Sheldon Day, and D.J. Jones, among others. Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas will operate outside, with Armstead moving inside in their various sub-packages. I really like what the defensive interior looks like, but the edge will be the huge question mark.
The wide receiver position was sneaky decent last year, and with hopefully a full season of Pierre Garçon for Jimmy Garoppolo, I like where this group could go. This assumes Marquise Goodwin and Trent Taylor build on last year, and whatever the team gets from Dante Pettis, Kendrick Bourne, and others. But for the time being, it’s at least an interesting unit.
The other unit that has the potential for big things, but one big question mark is linebacker. Reuben Foster may or may not face league discipline for his two offseason arrests. If he is on the field, the linebacker depth chart is particularly deep at the middle and weak side positions. Eli Harold is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and the coaching staff is likely hoping Pita Taumoepenu can emerge after one year in the system. If he can develop into something decent, suddenly the team has some solid starter and reserve depth in the middle of their defense.
What would be your top two or three position groups heading into OTAs?