The San Francisco 49ers offensive line gave up 52 sacks in 2014, which was tied for third most in the NFL last season.
Granted, a large number of those sacks fell upon the shoulders of quarterback Colin Kaepernick. But it is safe to state that the 49ers’ O-line was more than permeable over the course of the season a year ago.
Much has changed since that forgettable effort. Right tackles Anthony Davis and Jonathan Martin have retired. Left guard Mike Iupati signed a free-agent deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
In their respective steads, the 49ers are prepared to insert free-agent acquisition lineman Erik Pears and second-year pros Brandon Thomas and Marcus Martin into more prominent roles along the line.