Tag: dominick puni

Don’t expect 49ers rookie OL Dominick Puni to compete for starting RT spot

Dominick Puni can play anywhere on the OL, but the #49ers don’t plan on putting him in the mix to compete for the starting right tackle job.

The 49ers may be looking for an upgrade at right tackle, but don’t expect it to be rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni.

Puni, who played left guard in 2022 at Kansas University before moving to left tackle in 2023, profiled as a guard according to most draft analysts. However, his experience at tackle in college gave some reason to believe he could be in the mix to start at RT if the 49ers put together a competition to try and unseat incumbent starter Colton McKivitz.

49ers offensive line coach and run game coordinator Chris Foerster told reporters after Wednesday’s practice that he doesn’t foresee Puni pushing for a starting OT spot.

“The only thing, I’m not sure I’m going to rep him at is center, but he’s going to be able to play left guard, left tackle, right guard, right tackle,” Foerster said. “We’ll primarily work him at right guard right now. That’s a place we felt we could get some competition going and work at that spot. But he easily could be the fourth tackle, third. He could work in anywhere there. He’s got ability to play all. He’s best suited to guard though. You never know what happens. We’ll see how it plays out.”

Spencer Burford was handed the starting right guard job last season after holding down that spot in 2022 as a rookie. He wound up losing that job to veteran Jon Feliciano who returned this offseason on a one-year deal. That duo figures to be in the mix again, but Puni is a player who could provide a legitimate upgrade to start consistently at RG. That would push Feliciano and Burford down the depth chart to improve San Francisco’s depth on the interior.

It’s nigh impossible to make any determinations about the depth chart based on OTAs because the pads haven’t come on yet. We’ll learn a lot more about exactly where Puni fits into the guard rotation once training camp begins in late July.

As far as who will win the job, Foerster said consistency will be king.

“We’re just looking for that consistency,” Foerster said. “Maybe it comes from Spencer this year. Obviously, he’s the most talented of the players. I think he’s as talented or more than Puni. Puni will push that from that. And Jon’s just a guy that is a veteran, good player that knows how to get it done. Very savvy, good vet player. But these talented guys, when they figure it out and that’s what you keep hoping. So maybe it comes from Spence, maybe it comes from Puni, maybe it comes from somebody else. I don’t know where it comes from. But we’re hoping we can get just a little more consistent play out of that position.”

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Former 49ers GM thinks 49ers might’ve found their Trent Williams replacement

A former 49ers GM believes San Francisco might’ve landed its long-term replacement for Trent Williams in this year’s draft.

Offensive tackle was often circled as the 49ers’ most glaring need heading into the NFL draft. We speculated here at Niners Wire that they might even trade up to find an upgrade at right tackle who could conceivably switch to the left side whenever Trent Williams decided to retire. Not only did San Francisco not trade up, they didn’t appear to draft an offensive tackle at all. However, former 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan believes one of their two selections on the offensive line could actually succeed Williams.

The 49ers didn’t address their offensive line in either the first or second round this year, opting to wait until the third round to pounce. At that point they traded up from No. 94 to No. 86 to select Kansas OL Dominick Puni. While Puni spent all of last season playing left tackle for the Jayhawks, he has experience at right tackle and guard, and most draft analysts project him as a guard. While McCloughan told Matt Barrows of the Athletic he believes Puni will play guard, the former GM didn’t rule out the third-round pick moving back to his natural left tackle position someday.

“I think he’ll end up being a guard,” McCloughan said in the Athletic. “He’s really good with his hips and feet. Really good. But I’m not so sure he can’t be a left tackle when it’s all said and done … if he gets stronger.”

This would be a pretty huge deal for San Francisco. Finding a replacement for Williams is going to move further up the priority list every offseason and if they got that player in Round 3 it’d check a sizable box for their future.

That’s a long way off though for Puni who will need to first prove he can hang at either right guard or right tackle in his first season. It sounds like San Francisco views him as competitor for the starting right guard spot for now. If he wins that and plays well though he could start getting looks for a move back out to tackle.

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Grading the 49ers third round pick: Kansas OL Dominick Puni

Grading the 49ers selection of Kansas OL Dominick Puni in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

After moving back in the second round, the San Francisco did the opposite in the third round, moving up from No. 94 to No. 86 on day two of the draft. The 49ers traded No. 94 overall pick, and the No. 132 overall pick (Round 4) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the 86th selection.

Following a trade-up, the 49ers selected Kansas Jayhawk offensive lineman Dominick Puni at No. 86 overall. While playing for Central Missouri and Kansas in college, Puni bounced around to different positions at the offensive line, including guard and tackle.

The 6-foot-5, 313 lb offensive lineman earned First-team All-Big 12 conference honors last season in Lawerence. According to Pro Football Focus, Puni earned an 80.6 grade last season while not allowing a single sack on 342 pass-blocking snaps.

Following the 49ers third-round selection, the Niners Wire team linked up to stamp grades on the pick.

Kyle Madson – Managing Editor: 

This is a nice pick for the 49ers because Puni could theoretically answer a bunch of different questions on San Francisco’s offensive line. He projects as a guard and he could be in the mix to offer an upgrade at right guard. He played a ton of tackle in college though which gives the 49ers reason to believe he might be able to compete as an upgrade over right tackle Colton McKivitz. If he doesn’t beat out any of them, he’s a versatile depth piece who could develop into a long-term starter a la Aaron Banks. San Francisco didn’t reach to fill their biggest need, and instead traded up in Round 3 by giving up just their third-round pick and one of their trio of fourth-round picks. Nice work by John Lynch and Co.

Grade: B+

Tommy Call – Contributor: 

Heading into the draft, the offensive line felt like the biggest position group of need. And I saw group, because you could make the argument guard, tackle and even center could be addressed in the draft. However, through two rounds, the 49ers didn’t look at the offensive line.

Yet, finally, in round two, the 49ers answered the call of many fans and drafted an offensive lineman. And not just any offensive lineman; a player that has proven experience at multiple positions on the offensive line, essentially filling that need across the position group. Dominick Puni thrived at offensive tackle for the Jayhawks last season, not allowing a single sack. Yet before shifting to tackle, Puni played guard in Kansas. Puni could instantly compete at multiple positions for the Niners on the offensive line while he continues to develop.

Grade: A

 

Instant analysis: Dominick Puni an intriguing, versatile OL option for 49ers

The 49ers waited to address their biggest need in the draft. Their patience was rewarded with a prospect who could solve multiple problems for them:

The 49ers waited until the back half of Day 2 to address their biggest need in the NFL draft. San Francisco needed some offensive line help, and they traded up to No. 86 in Round 3 to snag Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni who could be an answer to multiple questions up front for the 49ers.

Adding OL help was never a surefire need for the 49ers. Colton McKivitz is serviceable and it looks like Jon Feliciano will have the inside track to the starting right guard spot. Upgrades at either spot would be helpful though. Depth is also something the 49ers needed more of on the offensive line. Puni could theoretically check any of those boxes.

He primarily played left tackle in college with 27 of his 43 starts coming there, 13 of which came with Kansas last season. He also played right tackle some with three starts there for Central Missouri where he spent his first four college seasons. Prior to switching to tackle with the Jayhawks though, Puni started all 12 games for them at left guard in 2022.

Chances are the 49ers view him as a guard and he’ll compete at right guard with Feliciano and Spencer Burford. It’s not out of the question though that they give him some reps at right tackle to see if he can provide competition for McKivitz and OL Brandon Parker.

The 49ers could have reached earlier in the draft for an offensive lineman, but chose instead to add depth at wide receiver and cornerback. They still wound up with a quality prospect who could offer solutions at multiple positions for them.

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49ers trade up in Round 3, select Kansas OL Dominick Puni

The 49ers traded up! This time they add offensive line help.

After trading down in Round 2, the 49ers traded up in Round 3 to take Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni at No. 86 overall.

San Francisco sent the 94th overall pick, and the 132nd overall pick (one of their three Round 4 choices) to the Eagles in exchange for the 86th selection.

Puni spent most of his college career at tackle, but most draft analysts believe he’ll kick inside to guard as a pro. He has the size to play either at 6-5, 313 pounds. The 49ers would be happy for him to become a starter at either spot.

He played in 47 games with 43 starts across six college seasons. Puni began his college career at with four seasons at Central Missouri before transferring to Kansas where he started all 25 games he played. He started 12 games at left guard in 2022 before jumping out to left tackle and starting all 13 games in 2023.

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Packers mock draft 6.0: Final predictions for 2024 draft

Final mock draft predictions for the Packers entering the 2024 NFL draft in this seven-rounder.

We made it! The 2024 NFL Draft has arrived. The Green Bay Packers will start the three-day affair with 11 picks at their disposal. It’s time for my final mock draft of the cycle. In my final mock draft last year, I “correctly” mocked Lukas Van Ness, Jayden Reed and Anders Carlson to the Packers. We won’t talk about the rest of the mock picks.

Let’s take a look at who the Packers landed in my final mock draft of the cycle.

1.25: Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa

Surprise, surprise. DeJean would give Green Bay’s secondary a much-needed playmaker and he’d bring juice to the special teams unit. DeJean is an outstanding athlete. He has natural ball skills. He’s versatile and he’s an asset in run support.

2.41: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama

The Alabama product is everything you want in a cornerback. He’s long, plays under control and never gives up the big play. According to Pro Football Focus, McKinstry only gave up two receptions of 30-plus yards over the past two seasons.

2.58: Dominick Puni, OL, Kansas

Puni offers five-position versatility. During his two seasons at Kansas, Puni started 13 games at left guard and 12 games at left tackle. During those two seasons, he gave up zero sacks and 16 pressures.

3. 88: Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky

A former track athlete, Wallace is an outstanding athlete with sideline-to-sideline range. He’s light on his feet and has the movement skills to hold up in coverage. At only 21 years old, Wallace has all the tools to develop into a four-down force.

3. 91: Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky

The Temple and Vanderbilt transfer finished his lone season as a Wildcat with 1,129 yards and 14 touchdowns. He runs with good patience and has the contact balance to bounce off defenders. Davis is a well-rounded running back, who could be the long-term running mate for Josh Jacobs.

4. 126: Edefuan Ulofoshio, LB, Washington

Even after adding Wallace, the Packers still need bodies in the linebacker room. The Washington linebacker logged 431 snaps on special teams during his time as a Husky and could be a Day 1 contributor for Rich Bisaccia. He’s a good athlete with the competitive makeup to challenge for snaps on defense.

5. 169: Frank Crum, OT, Wyoming

Crum has experience playing both tackle positions. He finished his career at Wyoming with 36 starts at right tackle and 13 at left tackle. The former two-star recruit is a good-sized athlete with the lateral mobility to shut down the corner and the mobility to get out in space to move people in the ground game.

6. 202: AJ Barner, TE, Michigan

Barner could the ideal No. 3 tight end behind Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft. The Indiana transfer gets after it as a blocker and he’s a good athlete with upside as a pass catcher. Barner has 555 snaps on special teams to his name and could be a hired gun.

6. 219: Tyler Owens, S, Texas Tech

Roll the dice on the Texas Tech defensive back’s athletic profile. The Texas transfer may never develop into an impact player on defense, but give his athletic profile and experience on special teams (546 snaps and 10 tackles) Owens could carve out a long career as a core special teamer.

7. 245: Matt Lee, C, Miami

A UCF transfer, Lee finished his collegiate career with 48 career starts at center under his belt. Lee started 12 games during his lone season at Miami and gave up zero sacks and four pressures.

7. 255: Miles Battle, CB, Utah

Battle started his career at Ole Miss and made the transition from wide receiver to cornerback during the 2020 season. Battle started two games during his lone season at Utah and recorded one interception and four pass deflections. Battle is an outstanding athlete with good size (6-3 and 196 pounds). With his athleticism, Battle is worth the gamble and could make an immediate impact on special teams. The Ole Miss transfer logged 454 snaps on special teams and recorded nine tackles.

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 5, Kansas OL Dominick Puni

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers and Brian Gutekunst love versatile offensive linemen. Elgton Jenkins started games at left tackle, right tackle, center and left guard during his time at Mississippi State. Jon Runyan Jr started games at both tackle spots before kicking inside to guard when he landed in Green Bay. Royce Newman started games at left guard and right tackle. At Wake Forest, Zach Tom started games at left tackle and center.

A versatile offensive linemen that Gutekunst could target on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft is Dominick Puni. The Kansas offensive linemen checks in at No. 5 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

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Puni has five-position versatility. Prior to transferring to Kansas, Puni started 15 games at left tackle and three games at right tackle at Central Missouri 

“A former Division II player for Central Missouri, Dominick Puni has played both tackle spots in his career before starting at LG in 2022 for Kansas and all 13 games at LT in 2023,” Devin Jackson, the sports editor and NFL Draft writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer said. “He has inside-out versatility, but his best position lies in the interior at the NFL level, to allow his power to shine, specifically in the running game.”

Puni is a smart player, who doesn’t get fooled by loops, twists, or blitzers. He’s a technician in pass protection. He snaps out of his stance with good quickness and everything syncs up. The Kansas offensive linemen has active hands to stun defenders. During his two seasons at Kansas Puni gave up zero sacks and 16 pressures. 

“He has a strong inside lead hand, specifically on jump sets, that allow him to control reps, and his footwork is quick and steady, allowing him to hardly ever get off balance,” Jackson said. “His hands are quick, allowing him to replace his hands to counter pass rush moves, though his core strength and anchor need to become more consistent. He’s an impressive athlete who stays composed and plays with good pad level.”

Puni’s athleticism shines through as a run blocker, as he shows good range and has no restrictions getting out in space. Once he reaches the second level he’s able to overwhelm linebackers. He has strong mitts to control the man across from him and can steer them to where he sees fit to open up running lanes.

“His athleticism particularly shines in the run game, as Kansas’ offensive scheme asked him to cut off backside linebackers, pull across the line of scrimmage and lead block out in space,” Jackson said. “He understands how to beat defenders to the spot, is savvy with his footwork to work on the front side of defenders on outside zone concepts, with mauler tendencies in his mindset. He loves to finish defenders on the ground.”

Fit with the Packers

The Packers need to bolster the depth of the offensive line. Puni would provide depth at all five positions.

Puni would provide Sean Rhyan competition for the starting right guard position, while also providing competition at center for Josh Myers. He could also be Green Bay’s swing tackle. With Puni’s versatility, the Packers are only limited by their imagination on how to utilize him.

“Puni has five position versatility that he showed down at the Senior Bowl,” Jackson said. “In a pinch, he can play tackle, but his athleticism, patient, powerful hands, and ability to be an effective run blocker in space makes him an ideal fit to push for a starting role early in his career.”

Puni is a well-rounded prospect, who could bolster Green Bay’s rushing attack while protecting Jordan Love. He checks the boxes with his versatility and athleticism. With the Packers owning four Day 2 picks, the Kansas offensive linemen could be high on their board when Day 2 kicks off on Friday.

Browns Podcast: Offensive tackle should be a must for Cleveland in this year’s draft

This year is the year to draft an offensive tackle

This year’s crop of offensive tackles in the draft is one of the best and deepest we have seen in a while. Personally, I have eight who have earned first-round grades, with a couple more who were borderline first-rounders. General manager Andrew Berry has shown the team is interested in this crop, with multiple tackles being brought in for Top 30 visits so far.

Will offensive tackle be the position that the Browns target with their first pick in the second round, No. 54 overall? Depending on how the board falls for Cleveland, tackle likely could be the position they go for.

Kingsley Suamataia from BYU and Kiran Amegadjie from Yale should be at the top of their board. Both guys are great athletes at the position, with long arms and all the physical tools you want in a left tackle. The advantage of Amegadjie is starting experience at left tackle and left guard.

You can watch us talk about these prospects and several more by clicking here. If you want to listen to the audio-only version of this podcast, you can do so by clicking here.

Detroit Lions Podcast: Bish and Brown on Lions first week of free agency

Detroit Lions Podcast: Bish and Brown on Lions first week of free agency, draft prospect fits and more

On another episode of the Detroit Lions Podcast with Bish and Brown, the guys are back to talk about the Lions first week of free agency! Join Russ and Scott as they are talking about the players the Lions signed and traded for during the start of free agency. Here’s some of the things the guys discussed:

  • Lions sign Marcus Davenport, Amik Robertson and traded for Carlton Davis!
  • Player Fit at Pick 29 of the 2024 NFL Draft: Zach Frazier, IOL, West Virginia
  • Prospect of the Week | Powered by Restore!

Lions 2024 NFL Draft report: Dominick Puni, Offensive Line, Kansas

Puni played tackle at Kansas but probably projects better at guard for a team like the Lions

It is finally draft season for Lions fans.

Brad Holmes and his front office have proven they are very capable of putting together great draft classes. They have had major hits on every day of the draft, but especially on Day Two. This roster isn’t in desperate need of much because of his work, but they do have some positions that need to be addressed.

This offseason, they should be focusing on getting better play out of their defensive backs, adding depth on the defensive line, and building out the wide receiver room.

These scouting reports should introduce you to some of the names that Lions fans could hear during the three days of the NFL Draft.