Interior reserve top contenders
Ben Garland
Tom Compton
Ross Reynolds
Colton McKivitz
This is a group that should all be in the running for the starting right guard spot. Garland is also the team’s top reserve at center. He did a fine job as the team’s starting center over the final three games and the postseason. His versatility makes him a valuable reserve.
Compton was one of the team’s outside free agent signings this offseason. The eight-year veteran has experience in Shanahan’s offense and is looking for only his second full-time starting gig since joining the NFL with Washington in 2012.
Reynolds was an undrafted rookie last year who spent the year on the practice squad. He’ll be an intriguing player to watch. As will McKivitz, the rookie fifth-round pick. He played right tackle at West Virginia, but his skill set may be better suited as an interior lineman in the NFL. The 49ers may opt to play him at his natural position, but it’d make sense to see him make a position change as well.