Where PFF ranks the 49ers roster ahead of the 2024 NFL season originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
As the calendar approaches the official start of the 2024 NFL season, many outlets are ranking the 49ers as the best team in the league.
In Focus on Professional Football’ latest rankings, San Francisco is at the top of the list, which isn’t surprising given that the team returns most of its superstar playmakers from a year ago. (h/t Fan Nation)
Considering that Brock Purdy, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel remain under contract, San Francisco will have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL.
The biggest X-factor for the team will be the return of safety Talanoa Hufanga from the torn ACL he suffered last season. Before the injury, San Francisco had the highest-rated defense in the league, but after losing Hufanga, the 49ers’ defense fell to 14th.
These defensive issues were on full display in Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs, when quarterback Patrick Mahomes torched the 49ers defense by leading his team down the field for the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
According to PFF’s analysis, the team’s only glaring weakness is on the offensive line, where the 49ers struggled to protect Purdy in passing situations. Other NFL teams will no doubt be looking at Super Bowl tape and how the Chiefs’ pass rush was able to consistently pressure Purdy and incorporate such schemes into their playbooks this season.
Therefore, it will be essential for São Francisco’s offensive line to improve. PFF highlighted that rookie striker Dominick Puni could be an impact player in his first year given his excellent pass blocking grades.
With Purdy in your cheap rookie contract for one more year, this upcoming NFL season could be the last with this core group of 49ers. Although San Francisco has signaled its intention to sign Aiyuk to a long-term deal and reward Purdy for his MVP-caliber play, there simply isn’t enough room to retain everyone on long-term deals.
