The 49ers found a great player in Round 3 of this year’s NFL Draft.
They selected Dominick Puni, who played every position on the offensive line except right guard in college, and quickly moved him to right guard. Now he is the second-best offensive lineman on the team after future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams.
“It’s amazing,” Williams said after the 49ers’ 36-24 win against the Seattle Seahawks. “I didn’t know he didn’t play right guard in college. Which is crazy because he literally has the makings of a Pro Bowl player at that position.
He’s a godsend. He’s a really really good kid, really really professional. He gained his teammates’ respect just from how he carries himself.”
Puni played a key role in sealing the victory against the Seahawks with an important block during Isaac Guerendo’s 76-yard run along the right sideline in the fourth quarter. On that play, Puni made the crucial block that opened the field for Guerendo.
In the past few seasons, the 49ers struggled to run the ball to the right side because their offensive linemen weren’t good enough. Now, with Puni, they have the ability to run to the right, which makes their offense much harder to defend.
Previously, defenses would bring a safety close to the line near Trent Williams, expecting the running back to follow him. Now the 49ers can run away from Williams, just like they did on the game-winning 76-yard run.
If Puni continues to perform well, he will deserve a spot in the Pro Bowl at the end of the season.
