49ers Face Offseason Challenge: Finding a New Left Guard

The San Francisco 49ers are likely on the hunt for a new left guard this offseason.

Aaron Banks, who has held the starting left guard position for the past three seasons, will become an unrestricted free agent. The 49ers are expected not to re-sign him due to his inconsistency.

PFF’s Perspective on Aaron Banks

Aaron Banks’ performance has been a mixed bag. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the 73rd-best free agent on the market this year. “The former second-round pick showed steady growth over his four-year rookie deal, though he never eclipsed 90% of snaps played in a season at a position where you’d like to play as close to 100% as possible,” writes PFF. “Banks moves very well in the run game for his size, which is presumably what made him most attractive to the 49ers in the first place but still has room to grow in pass protection.”

The 49ers took an uncharacteristic gamble drafting Banks in the second round of the 2020 draft, as they usually avoid selecting guards so high. They saw potential in him that he has yet to fully realize. His frequent injuries, as PFF points out, have further hindered his ability to make a significant impact.

Drafting a New Left Guard

With Banks likely to test the free-agent market, the 49ers need to find a cheaper and better left guard. This will most likely involve drafting a replacement, potentially as high as Round 2 again. One promising candidate is Donovan Jackson from Ohio State, projected as a mid-second-round pick. Jackson’s skills could bring much-needed stability and performance to the 49ers’ offensive line.

As the offseason progresses, the 49ers’ search for a new left guard will be a key storyline to watch. Will they find the talent they need to strengthen their offensive line and support their quest for success in the upcoming season?