The San Francisco 49ers’ offensive line has been a topic of heated debate among fans and analysts, and now a former player has added fuel to the fire. Jon Feliciano, a retired offensive lineman who spent the 2023 season with the 49ers, recently took to social media to deliver a scathing critique of the team’s O-line, leaving no room for ambiguity about his feelings. His comments, posted in response to quarterback Brock Purdy’s defense of the unit, have sparked widespread discussion and raised questions about the state of San Francisco’s offensive front as they head into the 2025 season.
A Brutal Assessment from a Former Teammate
Feliciano, a nine-year NFL veteran who played for the 49ers during their 2023 campaign, didn’t mince words in his latest social media outburst. Responding to a post about Purdy praising his offensive line, calling them “war daddies” for their efforts in protecting him, Feliciano offered a starkly different perspective. He wrote, “Everyone on the team are first ballet [sic] hall of famers to be able to have so much success in spite of that [expletive] OL.” The expletive, as reported by Niner Noise, was far from complimentary, underscoring Feliciano’s belief that the O-line is a weak link despite the team’s overall success.
This isn’t the first time Feliciano has publicly criticized his former teammates. Following the 49ers’ heartbreaking Super Bowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2024, he took aim at guard Spencer Burford, further cementing his reputation for speaking his mind, no matter the consequences. His latest comments have reignited scrutiny of an offensive line that many fans and analysts already view as a liability, especially outside of star left tackle Trent Williams.
A Struggling O-Line Under the Microscope
The 49ers’ offensive line has been a point of contention for years, with inconsistent performances and injuries exposing vulnerabilities. Despite boasting one of the NFL’s best left tackles in Trent Williams, who at 36 remains a perennial Pro Bowler and arguably the league’s top player at his position, the rest of the line has struggled to inspire confidence. Right tackle Colton McKivitz, in particular, has been a frequent target of criticism, with many fans calling for an upgrade after his uneven performances in pass protection and run blocking.
The interior line hasn’t fared much better. The loss of key players like Aaron Banks and Jaylon Moore to free agency and injuries in 2024, combined with the team’s decision to draft only one offensive lineman, Connor Colby, in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has done little to quell concerns. While rookie guard Dominick Puni has shown promise, earning an impressive 80.8 PFF overall grade in 2024—the highest for a rookie in the past five seasons—the unit as a whole has been inconsistent.
Feliciano’s comments highlight a broader sentiment among some fans and former players: the 49ers’ offensive line is holding back an otherwise talented roster. Despite Purdy’s ability to navigate pressure and deliver under duress, the O-line’s struggles have at times limited the team’s explosive offense, particularly in critical moments like their Super Bowl defeat.
The 49ers’ Response and Future Outlook
The 49ers’ front office has made efforts to address their O-line issues, but their approach has been conservative. The signing of versatile lineman Jon Feliciano himself in 2023 was seen as a move to bolster depth, given his ability to play multiple positions along the interior. However, the team’s recent acquisitions, such as Austen Pleasants and Charlie Heck, are unproven and unlikely to provide immediate solutions.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, known for his reliance on a strong offensive line to execute his zone-blocking scheme, faces mounting pressure to stabilize the unit. The team’s failure to prioritize the O-line in the 2025 draft, opting instead to address other needs, suggests a belief in the current roster’s potential—or a gamble that could prove costly. With Williams nearing the end of his Hall of Fame-caliber career, the clock is ticking to build a cohesive and reliable line around him.
Fan Reaction and What’s Next
Feliciano’s blunt critique has resonated with a fanbase that has long voiced frustration over the O-line’s performance. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions, ranging from agreement with Feliciano’s harsh words to debates about whether his public criticism was warranted. Some fans argue that his comments are a wake-up call for the organization, while others see them as divisive and unhelpful.
As the 49ers prepare for the 2025 season, the spotlight will be on their offensive line to prove doubters like Feliciano wrong. Whether through the development of young players like Puni, strategic free-agent signings, or a renewed focus on the draft, San Francisco must address this critical area to maximize their championship window. For now, Feliciano’s words serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing one of the NFL’s most talented rosters—and the work still needed to reach the top.