Though they gave up the fewest rushes, hits, pressures, and sacks (6th, 13th, and 6th, respectively), the offensive line of the San Francisco 49ers was not always effective; they finished the season ranked 20th in the league in pass block win rate and 23rd in run block win rate.
The 49ers’ starting center and the rest of their offensive line were inconsistent save for Trent Williams.
The San Francisco 49ers starting center was inconsistent in 2023.
For the 49ers, Jake Brendel was the starting center in each game. Brendel finished the regular season with a 63.9 PFF Grade, two sacks allowed, one penalty, zero sacks allowed, and a 71.2 PFF Grade.
He could have performed better, despite his respectable numbers.
A contract was signed by an undrafted free agent by the 49ers.
The San Francisco 49ers signed an undrafted free agent to a contract.
Drake Nugent was formally signed by the 49ers as an undrafted free agent.
The previous season, Nugent resided in Michigan.
Drake Nugent spent the 2023 season with the Michigan Wolverines.
Nugent transferred to the Wolverines for the 2023 season after playing for the Stanford Cardinal for his first four years of college.
With seven rushes, one hit, one sack allowed, and a 78.0 PFF grade, he participated in every game. He was selected for the Big Ten’s All-Big Ten First Team.
Lance Zierlein did a scouting report on Drake Nugent.
NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein conducted a scouting report on Nugent.
“Nugent has a history in collegiate football (his uncle Brian played at Washington State) and the NFL (his father Terry Nugent was a player for the Colts and Browns).
The former high school shot-put champion lacks the size, length, and leverage that many teams will be seeking, but he is strong and powerful through his upper body. Although he is an experienced technician, his performance may suffer when he is not in his home base.
“Nugent fights back against bull rushers and does a good job of covering his gaps in pass protection, but he lacks the foot quickness to live on his own if he is stranded against an athletic rusher. Nugent may have a chance to make an NFL squad, but his potential may not be that high.
Drake Nugent will face competition from 49ers players for a spot on the roster.