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Most Important 49ers in 2025: No. 13 is a breakout offensive lineman 

Can the San Francisco 49ers get a step forward from Dominick Puni in the 2025 season?
Parker Hurley|
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Dominick Puni (77) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Dominick Puni (77) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers nailed the Dominick Puni selection. His rookie season was everything that the team could have wanted, and he is one more strong season away from becoming a core piece of the roster for the long-term future. That puts the former third-round pick at number 13 on the most important players in 2025.

Most Important 49ers in 2025: No. 13 Dominick Puni

San Francisco 49ers guard Dominick Puni (77) during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Levi's Stadium.
August 18, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers guard Dominick Puni (77) during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Puni was a classic zone-scheme guard who fell into the third round of the 2024 NFL draft. He played tackle at Kansas, and while his arm length was a little short to stay outside in the NFL, his combination of athleticism, experience, and dominance in college was a clear sign that he could push inside and become a great NFL player. 

He hit the ground running and logged over 1,000 snaps with 17 games started. Puni looked the part, and a step forward this year would show that he truly belongs. 

The 49ers really need it, too. When you look at the offensive line, Jake Brendel is older veteran who has not dominated. The left guard competition is uninpsiring. Colton McKivitz has been fine but faces a contract discussion and Trent Williams has the age and injury cloud over him. When you are thinking of the lineman with the brightest future or the lack of a need to replace soon, it is Puni. 

So, seeing him develop is pivotal for the team's success. If Puni does not take the step, the offensive line will be back at square one in most areas. This is a major component to watch.

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Parker Hurley
PARKER HURLEY

Parker Hurley is a Pittsburgh native and IUP alumni with a deep-rooted passion for football and a decade of experience analyzing the game. Since 2016, he had extensively covered the Chicago Bears, serving as the site manager for Bear Goggles On from 2017 to 2023. During that time, Parker published hundreds of articles per month and led content strategy across written, audio, and video formats. Parker has also produced podcasts, blogs, and YouTube content focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL betting trends, and league-wide analysis. His work blends film breakdowns, statistical insight, and timely news reaction to deliver clear, actionable content for fans and bettors alike. Now, Parker contributes NFL coverage across multiple platforms, expanding his scope to include teams like the San Francisco 49ers and broader NFL narratives. Whether he’s analyzing rookie development or evaluating playoff contenders, Parker’s top priority is helping readers understand the game on a deeper level. He brings passion, clarity, and consistency to everything he writes, always aiming to educate, engage, and elevate the football conversation.

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