O-line comparson

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Undoubtedly, the 49ers are improving offensively particularly in the last two seasons when they jumped from last in rushing and passing in 2007 to 13th in passing and 12th in rushing last year and this despite shifting offensive coordinators and revolving quarterbacks. The basis of this improvement might be their offensive line, which played particularly well towards the end of last season and which figures to get better this year by adding two first-round selections.

However, the building of the line has been slow and expensive, not only in terms of contract dollars but also the devotion of high round picks. This type of O-line construction makes one appreciate how unique the 49ers once were with their O-line philosophy when they used to fill their line with light, smart players that no one else typically wanted. Those lines also proved to be elite.

Take the team's three-year stretch from 1992 to 1994, when they ranked first, first, and second in passing and third, third, and sixth in rushing. Their line was composed of these players, and the team had either the lightest line in the league or the second lightest.

Jesse Sapolu back in the day.

Jesse Sapolu back in the day.

Jesse Sapolu 278 pounds 11th round pick

Derrick Deese 270 street free agent

Ralph Tamm 280 low level unrestricted free agent

Steve Wallace 280 4th round

Harris Barton 286 1st round

Guy McIntyre 276 3rd round

Now compare that to what's happened the last three years when the 49ers ranked 32nd, 13th and 13th in passing and 27th, 27th and 12th in rushing.

Joe Staley 315 1st round

David Baas 330 2nd round

Eric Heitmann 312 7th round

Chilo Rachal 315 2nd round

Adam Snyder 325 third round

The startling weight differentials are mainly a reflection of the different eras. Nevertheless, the 49ers have gone from a light line in the 80's and 90's to one of the heaviest now. First rounders Mike Iupati (331 pounds) and Anthony Davis (325) won't make the line any heavier because they are expected to replace Baas and Snyder, who weigh similar amounts. But that's contingent upon Davis, who's had weight issues, staying at 325.

Also, if Davis and Iupati start, and over 64 percent of first-round linemen do in their rookie years, the 49ers will have three first rounders and one second-rounders on their line.

The line's ability to make the offense better is all that matters, and if it does improve, few will care how the line was constructed. But it's an interesting comparison to make and it highlights the team's complete break in offensive philosophy from their past.

Vernon "Renaissance" Davis: You can't just paint Vernon Davis as an Pro Bowl tight end. Davis is participating in the Art Impact series, a co-project between the San Francisco Unified School District and the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco. The series will feature speakers with backgrounds in the arts but who work in other fields. Davis, an accomplished visual artist, will partake in a panel discussion with on Thursday May 13, from 6-8 p.m. at the Koret Auditorium at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. The school district will also announce the Vernon Davis Visual Arts Scholarship that day, which will provide tuition support for San Francisco youth interested in pursuing a visual arts career. A fundraising event at Morton Steakhouse will follow the panel discussion. The fundraiser will take place from 8-11 p.m. For tickets or to make a donation, go to www.sfartscommission.org/artimpact.

Posted By: Kevin Lynch (Email) | April 28 2010 at 11:43 AM

Listed Under: O-line