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June 20, 2007

Battles on the offensive line

Question: Matthew, what are the chances, in your opinion, of Patrick Estes actually winning the starting job from Jonas Jennings at left tackle? Since Estes has been receiving all the minicamp/OTA reps, do you think he could pull it off? Same thing with David Baas and Justin Smiley. Who has the leg up on the JOe Staley/Kwame Harris competition?

Justin, Palo Alto

Answer: I don't see Estes taking Jennings' starting spot. However, I'm sure we're all familiar with Jennings' injury history. The coaching staff would love it if Estes becomes proficient enough to step in when - I mean if - Jennings goes down again. That also would allow Adam Snyder to concentrate on being the team's left guard of the future. As for Baas and Smiley, I really have no idea how that will turn out. History, however, would suggest Smiley wins the starting nod. Considering he hits the free-agent market at the end of the season, he has a lot to play for.

- Matt Barrows

Posted by Ahmed Ortiz at 5:26 PM | Comments |