Dominick Puni emerged as a surprise standout for the San Francisco 49ers during the 2024 NFL season, starting all 17 games at left guard after injuries during training camp opened a starting role. Despite being a third-round draft pick, Puni quickly proved he could compete at a high level, becoming a key part of the 49ers offensive line. His rookie campaign showcased his readiness to contribute immediately in a demanding position.
Impressive performance metrics highlight Puni’s potential
In his first NFL season, Puni earned an 80.5 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus, the second-best mark among 49ers offensive linemen, trailing only future Hall of Famer Trent Williams. Notably, Puni’s run-blocking grade of 81.5 slightly surpassed Williams’ 81.4, underscoring his effectiveness in rushing plays. These strong metrics have led many to wonder how much further he can develop in his sophomore year.
Industry experts predict a Pro Bowl trajectory
Kevin Patra of NFL.com singled out Puni as the 49ers player most likely to earn a Pro Bowl selection in 2025. Patra emphasized how quickly Puni adapted to head coach Kyle Shanahan’s system, noting that the 6-foot-5 guard was already among the top 10 run blockers in the league during his rookie year. According to Patra, Shanahan’s run-blocking schemes play to Puni’s strengths and elevate his potential.
“From the time the pads slipped on in last year’s training camp, Puni seemed like a natural in Kyle Shanahan’s system,”
—Kevin Patra, NFL.com
Patra also highlighted Puni’s pass protection, explaining that his size allows him to hold his own even in challenging one-on-one matchups. Although there is still room for polish, the 25-year-old guard possesses the physical tools and skill set to rank among the league’s best by next year.
“And his size allows him to hold his own in pass protection, even in one-on-ones. He still has to clean up parts of his game in that area, but the 25-year-old boasts the body and skill to be a top-five guard in 2025.”
—Kevin Patra, NFL.com
Puni’s self-assessment and preparation for a breakout second season
Reflecting on his rookie season, Puni acknowledged the challenge of enduring a full 17-game schedule, but he made it through every snap, playing all 1,078 offensive plays for the 49ers in 2024. When asked about his outlook for the upcoming season, Puni expressed strong confidence in his ability to improve and take a significant step forward.
“Yes. Yeah, I think I can be much better,”
—Dominick Puni, 49ers Guard
“You have a good year, and people see what they see, but if you’re pretty hard on yourself, and Coach Foerster (offensive line coach Chris Foerster) is a pretty good coach at being hard on us, you see a lot of what you can clean up, and that’s what we did in the offseason.”
—Dominick Puni, 49ers Guard
“There’s just so much better that could come out of my play. And so, yeah, there can be a big jump, and I’m ready to take it.”
—Dominick Puni, 49ers Guard
The broader impact of Puni’s growth for the 49ers
If Dominick Puni achieves the progress he anticipates, it could greatly enhance the stability and performance of the 49ers’ offensive line, a unit that has faced criticism in the past. His continued development could not only cement his place as a vital contributor but also position him for Pro Bowl honors as early as his second NFL season, making him a rising star to watch in 2025.