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49ers may have found their next breakout offensive star for 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The San Francisco 49ers have put themselves in a great spot to be one of the elite teams in the NFL this upcoming season.
The 49ers are a star-studded team on both ends with players like Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Mike Evans, George Kittle and Trent Williams getting all the headlines, and deservedly so.
The offense is loaded with talent thanks to those names above; however, it's the other contributors who could take the 49ers over the top.
One name that has been predicted to be a breakout player for the team is offensive lineman, guard Dominick Puni.
Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports believes Puni will be the breakout star for San Francisco.
"After an impressive 2024 debut -- especially for a third-round rookie -- Dominick Puni wasn't quite as good in 2025 according to PFF, but he still only gave up one sack. He has started every game at left guard for Kyle Shanahan's club since he arrived, which is no small feat considering how many 49ers have been injured recently. At his best, Puni is a physical mauler in the ground game who can really move people. If there's a leap to be made in his pass protection in Year 3, he could ascend to one of the league's more well-regarded interior linemen."
Dominick Puni establishing himself as top lineman
Puni has established himself as a key and important player on the roster for the 49ers.
The 26-year-old has emerged on the offensive line, helping stabilize that unit, which has been a cause for concern for the team for several seasons. Puni is arguably the best offensive lineman not named Trent Williams.
Puni does it all for San Francisco, including being a critical piece to their run game. Health will be key for Puni, as he dealt with a PCL injury early on in the 2025 season.
In 2026, if health is on Puni's side, he could certainly be a Pro Bowl candidate and help improve the pass protection for Purdy and the rush attack for McCaffrey.
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