Offensive Line
Of the 73 offensive tackles with at least 40 pass-protecting snaps, Yosh Nijman finished 15th in pass-blocking efficiency, which measures sacks, hits and hurries allowed per pass-blocking snap. He allowed one sack and one hit for two total pressures in 88 passing plays while facing a lot of starting defenders. With David Bakhtiari’s immediate future on the roster in question but veteran Dennis Kelly perhaps good to go for the coming week, Nijman has played well enough to make the 53. Ben Braden was the other tackle to meet that playing-time threshold. He was 40th with one sack, one hit and five total pressures in 80 pass-protecting snaps.
Of the 81 guards with at least 40 pass-protecting snaps, rookie right guard Royce Newman tied for first in pass-blocking efficiency. He didn’t allow a single pressure in 42 passing plays. Veteran Lucas Patrick finished 31st with one pressure in 41 passing plays. Jon Runyan was 57th with three pressures in 53 snaps. Between pass protecting and run blocking, Newman, for what it’s worth, was the No. 1-graded offensive lineman overall. Presumably, after starting the last two preseason games, he will be the Week 1 starter. Will it be with Patrick, a proven commodity who had a high-quality season at right guard last year, or Runyan?