Why 49ers drafted Puni in third round comfortable with move to guard originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
With OTAs and minicamp just around the corner, 49ers rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni is eager to switch from tackle to guard.
Speaking with Kay Adams on “Up & Adams Show,” Puni was asked how he feels about changing positions on the offensive line.
“When I played guard in 2022, I felt very comfortable, I felt comfortable inside,” Puni said. “It was the first year I played and I did really well, so the transition wasn’t too crazy for me. The 49ers have an incredible offensive line, so – obviously, you have Trent Williams at left tackle, he’s the best left tackle in the NFL – so I have no problem moving to guard, even though I play center, I have no problem with. “
Selected by San Francisco with the #86 overall pick In the 2024 NFL Draft, Puni will slot into an offensive line that aims to do a better job protecting quarterback Brock Purdy. The 49ers hope the 24-year-old can make the position change and become a defender in the middle of the field, where the team has struggled in recent seasons against interior pass rushers.
Puni is excited to play alongside his idol, left tackle Williams, but the rookie will have to earn a starting role on the offensive line as the 49ers return most of their unit from the 2023 season.
Given that Purdy remains on his cheap rookie contract for another year, San Francisco has been working to keep its vaunted offense together for another season. Between Purdy, Williams, receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers will once again have one of the most potent offensive units in the league.
During his college career at Kansas, Puni excelled in run blocking and demonstrated great quickness off the line, something that will be crucial to the success of San Francisco’s interior game.
