Why ESPN ranked 49ers’ roster No. 1 despite one weakness

Why ESPN ranked 49ers’ roster No. 1 despite one weakness originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The 49ers again find themselves atop a list for the 2024 NFL season.

Even though it’s not perfect, San Francisco’s roster was ranked No. 1 for the upcoming season by ESPN analysts Mike Clay, Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder in an article published on Tuesday.

Here is why the trio of writers are so high on the 49ers:

“Biggest strength: Offensive skill positions,” wrote Clay. “RB Christian McCaffrey (led the NFL with 2,023 total yards last season), Brandon Aiyuk (1,342 receiving yards ranked seventh among WRs in 2023), Deebo Samuel (eighth among WRs with 3,751 total yards over the past three seasons) and George Kittle (TE-high 1,020 yards in 2023) are all back for 2024.

“As if that weren’t enough firepower, the 49ers also spent a first-round pick on WR Ricky Pearsall, who serves as short-term competition for underrated Jauan Jennings and as a long-term replacement for Samuel or Aiyuk. QB Brock Purdy is sitting pretty.”

Schatz added that Jennings is the 49ers’ non-starting player to know, as his role as an elite blocker in the run game supplements his reliable hands in the passing game.

No lies detected.

Last season, San Francisco’s offense ranked third in points (28.9) and rushing yards (140.5) per game, while finishing second in passing yards per game (257.9).

The 49ers, granted Aiyuk will be suiting up on Sundays, should remain an offensive juggernaut next season.

However, Clay is concerned about one of San Francisco’s position groups.

“Biggest weakness: Offensive line,” Clay added. “The 49ers are loaded, so we need to get picky by looking at the line situation next to superstar LT Trent Williams. The good news is there’s a ton of continuity. Matt Pryor (42 snaps) was the only lineman who played a snap for the Niners last season and is no longer on the roster.

“However, of the returning starters (LG Aaron Banks, C Jake Brendel, RGs Jon…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-espn-ranked-49ers-roster-143101473.html

Author : NBC Sports BayArea

Publish date : 2024-06-28 14:31:01

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