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49ers camp preview: Which backups are in play for offensive line jobs?

SANTA CLARA – One-on-one combat between Trent Williams and Nick Bosa is typically the marquee attraction among linemen drills at 49ers training camp.

This camp’s undercard is worth following, however. Williams’ fellow offensive linemen, after all, must be able to ensure the ever-precarious health of the 49ers’ quarterbacks.

At right tackle, Colton McKivitz enters as the already appointed successor to Mike McGlinchey, who left in free agency for Denver (after a five-year term featuring great praise for run blocking and heaping criticism for pass-protection lapses).

On the interior, guards Aaron Banks and Spencer Burford will flank center Jake Brendel for a second straight year, which bodes well for their chemistry.

So, since the starters are all set, time to look elsewhere, right? Not so fast.

Assuming all five first-string linemen – Williams, Banks, Brendel, Burford, McKivitz – make it through a season as 17-game starters is a stretch. Reserves must be schooled up to maintain the consistency coach Kyle Shanahan demands from his offense.

Here is a list of camp goals for the 49ers’ linemen:

Trent Williams (left tackle): Knock some rust off, work on conditioning, and school up younger linemen, which he did three weeks ago at his Houston gym with Burford and others.

Aaron Banks (left guard): Last summer’s camp was concerning – and misleading, because he ascended each week during the season as a first-time starter. This year, take further advantage of the vets’ guidance, especially with Williams on his left for who knows how much longer.

Jake Brendel (center): Much like last season’s carousel, he must get comfortable with a variety of quarterbacks, until one (Brock Purdy?) anchors into that role. Also, any tips Brendel can share with younger players will be key in development.

Spencer Burford (right guard): Probably the biggest surprise starter last season (as a fourth-round rookie), he emerged from this offseason’s program looking “like a different guy, carrying himself differently,” offensive line coach Chris Foerster said. Building on that momentum and preparing for more of a full-time role are Burford’s upcoming chores.

Colton McKivitz (right tackle): Two years ago, he got cut out of camp. “That was a wake-up,” Foerster recalled. McKivitz responded by showing consistency on the practice squad and his spot starts. Because the 49ers remain a run-oriented offense, he must use camp to nail down those blocking assignments and techniques.

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Jon Feliciano: He provides veteran insurance and versatility, if the 49ers opt for an outsider to fill that reserve role. Feliciano has played 97 games (Raiders, Bills, Giants) and started both of the Giants’ playoff games last season, including their exit against an Eagles team the 49ers look to dethrone.

Jaylon Moore: Showing a relentless motor would put his somewhat hidden talent on better display. He may not be able to unseat McKivitz for a starting role, but earning swing-tackle duty is possible.

Matt Pryor: Worked at right tackle behind McKivitz in spring workouts, so he’ll provide competition there and across the line with veteran experience (60 games; Eagles 2019-20, Colts 2021-22).

Leroy Watson: Consider him an underdog but a lively contender for a backup tackle job. He’s a converted tight end from Texas-San Antonio who worked with the 49ers’ practice squad last year.

Jason Poe: Being a practice-squad standout last season is one thing; securing a spot on the 53-man roster is another. He’ll be auditioning at both guard spots.

Nick Zakelj: Perhaps better known as Brock Purdy’s rookie roommate (with Alfredo Gutierrez), Zakelj is known as a hard worker as he converts to an interior lineman, having played tackle at Fordham.

Joey Fisher: The 49ers guaranteed $130,000 for this undrafted rookie from Shepherd with hopes his strength and power can translate into versatility at the next level. Converting him from right tackle to guard is the first order of business.

Alfredo Gutierrez: Two years on the practice squad helped this Tijuana, Mexico native’s development but he’s still buried on a depth chart. His 6-foot-9, 332-pound frame makes him their biggest loveable lug.

Keith Ismael: Developing a young center is always a good idea, and that could be what the 49ers have in mind for this Oakland native and Sacred Heart Cathedral-San Francisco product.

Corey Luciano: This Monte Vista High-Danville product wasn’t drafted after starting at center for Washington, but he’s joining a crowded audition on the interior.

Ilm Manning: At 6-foot-2, 294 pounds, this undrafted rookie from Hawaii certainly casts a different look at left tackle than Williams (6-5, 320) but let’s see how he adapts.



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