Curtis Modkins told the media last week that at this point, Joe Staley is the only name penciled into the San Francisco 49ers starting offensive line. The team's decade-long left tackle also spoke to reporters last week following the conclusion of OTAs.
Staley was asked about a broad range of topics, which included thoughts about several of his teammates currently competing for starting jobs. Here are Staley's most notable quotes regarding San Francisco's personnel along the offensive line. On his growing chemistry with 49ers G Zane Beadles:
"It's been really good. He's a really smart guy. We expect each other to know what we're supposed to be doing. It's been really good. That's one of the biggest things, playing next to a new guy, is developing the trust that we know what we're doing. After that, it's about how we approach blocks and combinations. That comes with practice reps."On his advice for 49ers rookie G Joshua Garnett:
"I've kept in contact with him through text messages. Getting drafted in the first round, he's obviously got physical talent. But the biggest thing coming from college is the mental game: learning the playbook and learning the speed of everything and the tempo in which we play. I think he's done a good job this offseason, doing everything he can when he's away from here. I'm eager to get him here."
Note: This year's 28th-overall pick in the draft is currently unable to participate in the offseason program due to NFL rules regarding college graduation. Whether Garnett lines up at left guard, right guard or both will be an intriguing story line come training camp.On rookie linemen Fahn Cooper and John Theus:
"I've been really impressed with how quick they've been able to pick up the playbook. The stuff we're doing is kind of complicated compared to other years, and they've been able to pick it up really, really well. They're getting better every single day. It's all about the process, going out and trying to improve. They're asking the right questions, seeking out veterans and listening to coaching. I'm really excited with their attitude."On rookie Alex Balducci's move from defensive line to offensive line:
"He's doing really well. I would never have known that he came from d-line. I actually didn't know until a week after he was here. Coming from defensive line to offensive line is so different in terms of footwork. Offensive line is such a technical position. He got a lot of that stuff down Day 1. That's a testament to his hard work and the coaching he had before he got here."On third-year lineman Brandon Thomas:
"He's in a position right now where he only has to learn one position. Before he had been thrown all over the offensive line since he's been here. Right now he's at that right guard position. I think that's been good for him. He's been able to get good reps and good work in."
