Before the start of training camp at the end of July, we’ll rank the top 25 49ers based on production at their position, physical attributes, upside and expected impact in 2017.
No. 20: Zane Beadles, OL
Zane Beadles turned out to be the 49ers’ most versatile lineman in 2016, getting starts at left guard, tackle and center. His value lied more in his malleability than his overall production. Pro Football Focus gave him a 40.2 grade for the season, which is far from stellar.
Now Beadles, 30, finds himself competing for a roster spot while new coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch brought in veterans Jeremy Zuttah, Brandon Fusco and Tim Barnes to give incumbents a run for their money along the interior. How that impacts Beadles, a Pro-Bowler in 2012, will crystalize when the pads come in training camp.
For now, Beadles got the bulk of his practice time during the offseason program with the starters, which might indicate he’s a favorite for a roster spot, although the offensive line was one of the most fluid groups throughout spring practices.
(Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports)
The 49ers have been tinkering with combinations along the interior of the offensive line. Last year’s first-round pick Joshua Garnett has gotten reps at both guard spots, as has Fusco, while Zuttah has worked at guard and center, as has Daniel Kilgore.
We haven’t seen Beadles get practice time at tackle, although we might during training camp. The 49ers reserves behind Joe Staley and Trent Brown are John Theus, a fifth-round pick in 2016, and Garry Gilliam, who started the last two seasons at right tackle for the Seahawks.
Beadles last spring signed a three-year, $9.75-million contract to join San Francisco after spending time with Denver and Jacksonville. He was brought in for his familiarity with zone blocking schemes, to replace Alex Boone, which should make him a good fit for Shanahan’s outside-zone running scheme.
If Beadles doesn’t win a spot, the 49ers would be out $583,333 in dead money and save $3.45 million in cap space.
Previous rankings:
No. 21: Quinton Dial
No. 22: Joe Williams
No. 23: Vance McDonald
No. 24: Ahkello Witherspoon
No. 25: K’Waun Williams
