Player insights

49ers seventh-round pick started Week 2 at left guard due to injuries but had a rough rookie season, recording eight blown blocks in Week 3 (seven in pass protection) after Cardinals isolated Josh Sweat on him, leading to limited action thereafter (25 snaps in Week 8, no meaningful snaps rest of year). Now 23 years old entering Year 2, the source reports Colby has 'come a long way' this offseason and is 'playing a lot faster right now' at OTAs after taking a breath post-rookie season and gaining better scheme understanding. Offensive line coach Chris Foerster stated 'you're going to see a big jump in Connor Colby' because 'the biggest improvement most guys make is between Year 1 and Year 2,' noting Colby 'has made a nice jump, as far as you can tell.' Colby was at his best when aggressive with jump sets; if he finds the fine line between aggression and waiting back, that could determine whether he starts.