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Dominick Puni

Dominick Puni Player Profile

Summary

Dominick Puni is a young, versatile offensive lineman for the San Francisco 49ers who was selected in the 3rd round, 86th overall, of the 2024 NFL Draft after a collegiate career at the Kansas Jayhawks (after transferring from Central Missouri). San Francisco 49ers Standing at 6′5″ and around 313 lbs, Puni brings a combination of size, athleticism, and experience playing multiple line positions (guard and tackle) that makes him a promising addition to the 49ers’ offensive front. While his rookie season displayed strong upside, he still has key areas to refine if he is going to develop into a dependable long-term starter.

Strengths

  • Versatility & positional experience: Puni played both tackle and guard in college and even took snaps at center during Senior Bowl/college work. This flexibility is valuable in the NFL. PFSN

  • Run-blocking and physicality: Scout evaluations cite his “blend of girth, body control and pad level” which helps him generate power at the point of attack. Bleacher Report

  • Solid pass-protection skill set for his rookie season: As a rookie guard for the 49ers, he started and performed very well, earning positive reviews in his first year. San Francisco Chronicle

  • Athleticism and movement ability: For his size, Puni showed adequate footwork, mobility and ability to pull or reach second level blocks—key in a zone-run and movement system like the 49ers. PFSN

Weaknesses

  • Stance, pad level and hand technique concerns: Pre-draft reports pointed out that Puni’s high stance and inconsistent hand placement could hamper his ability to mirror elite rushers or defend inside moves. The Draft Network

  • Position uncertainty / best fit yet to be determined: While he played tackle in college, many analysts project Puni inside to guard (or even center) in the NFL because of certain limitations at tackle. PFSN

  • Relatively late exposure at highest level of competition: Coming from Central Missouri and then transferring to Kansas, Puni’s sustained experience against elite edge rushers was more limited compared to some other first-round OL prospects. This could mean a steeper adjustment curve. Back Sports Page

  • Risks of second-year regression (the “sophomore slump”): Although his rookie season was strong, early 2025 reports note his performance dipped in parts of his second season, highlighting how continuity, durability and consistency will matter. San Francisco Chronicle

Fit & Outlook

Dominick Puni has all the tools to become a core starter on the 49ers’ offensive line. His strong rookie season—starting all 17 games and being part of an elite rookie class—suggests his floor is quite high. What will determine his long-term impact:

  • Continued technical refinement (lowering his stance, improving hand usage, anchoring against power rushers)

  • Health and durability over multiple seasons in a physically demanding role

  • Stability at a defined position (if he locks in at guard/center and masters it, his value will rise)

  • Consistency from week to week, especially in high-leverage blocks and pass-protection reps

If he nails those, Puni could become a standout interior lineman, contributing to the run game and keeping the quarterback clean. If the weaknesses persist or the positional fit wobbles, he may settle into a rotational role rather than being a long-term pillar.