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49ers' rookie in exclusive club alongside veteran All-Pro after outstanding start to his NFL career

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Nicholas McGee | Last updated Oct 31, 2024 8:58 AM ET

Offensive line play can be difficult to evaluate, but there is no doubt in anyone's mind that San Francisco 49ers rookie guard Dominick Puni is enjoying an excellent start to the season.

The third-round pick has emerged as a steal for San Francisco, which is reaping the benefits of what so far looks to be a very strong draft class. Puni has performed excellently in pass protection while making huge strides in run blocking, an area of the game that had been considered a weakness for him coming out of Kansas.

Puni has yet to allow a sack or quarterback hit in eight games this season.

Per Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus, Puni and Joe Thuney of the Kansas City Chiefs are the only guards in the NFL to go at least seven games without allowing even a quarterback hit.

Dominick Puni is one of only two guards (Joe Thuney) who has played in at least seven games this season and has not allowed a QB sack or hit. #49ers
— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) October 30, 2024

Thuney was a first-team All-Pro last season and has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of the last two campaigns.

The fact he is the only guard who can match what Puni has done this season in pass protection speaks to how effective the former Jayhawk has been in an outstanding start to his career.

Right guard had been a glaring weakness for the 49ers, one that played a substantial role in them losing Super Bowl 58 to the Chiefs. Now, thanks to Puni's ascension, it stands as a significant strength.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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