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Former Kansas Standout Dominick Puni Emerging as Elite Pass Blocker
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- Former Kansas Standout Dominick Puni Emerging as Elite Pass Blocker
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Former Kansas offensive lineman Dominick Puni continues to make a strong name for himself in the NFL, and his performance through the first four weeks of the 2026 season has been especially impressive.
Puni, now a starting right guard for the San Francisco 49ers, has emerged as one of the league's best pass blockers. According to Pro Football Focus, Puni currently owns an 84.2 pass-blocking grade, which ranks first among 74 qualified NFL guards. He has also allowed just four pressures and zero sacks through four games.
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Puni's performance has been a major reason why San Francisco's offensive line has become one of the stronger units in the NFL. PFF ranked the 49ers' offensive line fifth in its latest league rankings, with Puni specifically highlighted for his improvement in pass protection.
The former Jayhawk has played 231 offensive snaps this season, including 129 pass-blocking snaps. His ability to keep pressure away from quarterback Brock Purdy has helped San Francisco consistently operate its offense without allowing opposing defensive fronts to disrupt the passing game.
Puni's success should not come as a surprise to Kansas fans who watched him during his college career. After transferring to Kansas, Puni became one of the Jayhawks' most reliable offensive linemen. In 2023, he earned first-team All-Big 12 honors and posted a 90.5 PFF pass-blocking grade while allowing zero sacks across 745 snaps.
That experience has translated well to the professional level.
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Puni started all 17 games during his rookie season with San Francisco and has continued to establish himself as a dependable presence on the interior of the offensive line. The 49ers selected him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft with the 86th overall pick.
His development has been particularly noticeable in pass protection this season. While his overall PFF grade of 70.5 ranks 21st among qualified guards, his 84.2 pass-blocking grade shows that protecting the quarterback has become one of his biggest strengths.
Puni has also been one of the most disciplined linemen in the league. He has not been penalized through four games and has not surrendered a sack.
For Kansas fans, Puni's NFL success provides another example of the talent that has come through the Jayhawks' program in recent years. His transition from a two-year Kansas starter to an established NFL guard continues to show how far his game has developed.
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With the 49ers sitting at 4-0 entering Week 5, Puni will have another opportunity to prove himself when San Francisco faces the Seattle Seahawks.
For more Kansas and former Jayhawks coverage, visit JayhawkRoundtable .
