Dominick Puni named 49ers' under-the-radar breakout candidate for 2026

The San Francisco 49ers have several players who could emerge as breakout performers in 2026.

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is entering his third NFL season and looking to establish himself as a major contributor within the offense. Defensive end Mykel Williams, the team's 2025 first-round draft pick, could provide a significant boost to the defensive front. Several young defensive backs on the roster also have the potential to make a strong impression.

However, CBS Sports writer Zachary Pereles took a different approach when identifying one under-the-radar breakout candidate for each NFC team entering the 2026 season. For the 49ers, he selected third-year right guard Dominick Puni, who has been a fixture in the starting lineup since his rookie campaign.

"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," Pereles wrote.

Puni earned an 80.5 offensive grade and an 81.5 run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF) during his rookie season. Those marks dipped to 69.2 and 67.9, respectively, in 2025.

It's worth noting that Puni suffered a PCL injury during the preseason, a setback that may have impacted his performance throughout the regular season.

"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," Pereles wrote. "At his best, Puni is a physical mauler in the ground game who can really move people."

Puni's PFF pass-blocking grade also declined from 68.9 in 2024 to 63.3 in 2025, highlighting an area where he can continue to develop.

"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," Pereles added.