The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for the upcoming NFL season, and one player who has emerged as a front-runner for the starting left guard position is Connor Colby. Based on his strong performance during the offseason program, Colby is the favorite to open the season as the 49ers' starting left guard.
Colby, a second-year player, was a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Iowa. He started 50 games in his four-year career at Iowa and has already made a name for himself with the 49ers. As a rookie, Colby started six games, and his performance has been a topic of discussion among the team.
The 49ers have brought in several players to compete for the starting job, including veteran Robert Jones and University of Washington offensive lineman Carver Willis. However, Colby has stood out, and his improvements are noticeable.
One of the key factors in Colby's success is his position next to 12-time Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams. Williams has noticed Colby's confidence and the strides he has taken since joining the 49ers. According to Williams, Colby's movements and pass sets have improved, and he is now more confident in his plays.
Despite being far from a finished product, Williams is encouraged by Colby's progress. He believes that Colby's confidence and knowledge of his plays will allow him to be the player he knows he can be when the ball is snapped.
However, the competition for the starting job is far from over. The 49ers assistant head coach and offensive line coach, Chris Foerster, emphasized that the team will play the best five players they can. Foerster noted that Colby has established himself during the OTAs, but he must continue to perform at a high level to hold onto the job.
In conclusion, Connor Colby has emerged as a strong contender for the starting left guard position with the San Francisco 49ers. His performance during the offseason program and his improvements in confidence and play-making abilities have caught the attention of his teammates and coaches. However, the competition remains fierce, and Colby must continue to prove himself to secure the starting job.
