Jan 7, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Spencer Burford (74) during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers right guard Spencer Burford has had his share of success and disappointment over the course of his first two years in the league. The 49ers lineman’s offseason development is something to track, as it will be key to the success of the San Francisco 49ers 2024 campaign. The 2023 version of the 49ers offense was considered elite by many, but if Burford can reach his potential the 2024 version will be even better. Spencer Burford has the physical talent, and the motivation to make such strides this offseason.

Burford Has The Motivation After Disappointing 2023 Campaign And Blown Super Bowl Assignment

If losing your starting spot isn’t enough motivation, then he had to be even more motivated after his performance in the Super Bowl. Many fans look to the 49ers last play on offense as the reason they lost the Super Bowl, and Burford’s blown assignment is often the first to blame. According to David Lombardi Burford took the blame when he stated, “I should have just played within the scheme. I played on instinct. It was my fault.” Burford went into more detail on his own X account saying, “Should’ve fanned out and let the backer be the free hitter”.

Burford was only in the game because Jon Feliciano had gone out with injury, the same man who supplanted him for his starting spot midway through the season. Feliciano had something to say about the play as well writing on X, “A quick chop is not needed if the guy that was supposed to block him, blocks him”. Burford went on to express his frustrations with Feliciano’s tweet, and Feliciano later apologized citing that he was hungover. The full exchange can be seen below.

The finger pointing and the what-ifs have to be enough motivation to keep Burford in the gym all offseason long furthering his development. It will be Burford’s motivation during the offseason to make sure that these things never repeat themselves over the course of the rest of his career. This is the type of thing that players learn from and come back even stronger for having experienced it. This is the case for Burford, as he has the physical tools and the coaching needed to take that next step to solidifying the starting spot. This will be the key to the 49ers offensive success in 2024.

Sheesh…I open up my app to this…get well soon bro…

— Spencer Burford (@SpencerB74) February 13, 2024

Lineman’s Offseason Development Will Propel Him To Top-Level Interior Player

Spencer Burford has one of the best offensive line coaches in the business in Chris Foerster, and he needs to lean on him to advance his technique. Burford is familiar with the zone-style running scheme, having already played in that system in college. It will be in the consistency of the technique within the scheme that Burford wishes to key in on during his offseason development.

Burford is super athletic, having slid across the line playing four different positions during his college tenure. He has all of the physical attributes needed to become a force on the inside for years to come. His lower-body moves flawlessly and effortlessly, almost like he played tight end during his younger days. He can definitely get stronger by spending more time in the weight room, as is the case with many young players entering the league.

Don’t be surprised if Burford enters the 2024 season energized, and maybe even looking like a new player. The 49ers need this level of play to take that next step in an offense that was already well above average. Burford has everything it takes to make such a leap, and his offseason development will be key in how close he gets to accomplishing this goal.