49ers get huge pay off from smart offseason signing

The San Francisco 49ers' signing of veteran guard Jon Feliciano this offseason understandably did not receive much fanfare.

Feliciano was signed as dependable veteran depth up front, with his ability to play all three spots on the interior of the offensive line a bonus that gave him added value. 

Yet it's unlikely the 49ers foresaw Feliciano having the impact he has enjoyed during the second half of the season, which has been critical in them clinching the NFC's one seed. 

Feliciano has played in seven games this season, filling in for both Aaron Banks at left guard and Spencer Burford on the right side since the bye, his efforts in deputizing for the latter seeing him take over the starting role at that spot.

While Feliciano has been an average pass blocker during his time on the field for the 49ers, he has thrived as a run blocker.

Indeed, over the past four weeks, Feliciano has been the best run-blocking guard in the NFL, with his Pro Football Focus grade in that area of the game the highest in the NFL at the position. 

The 49ers are first in Expected Points Added per play on the ground since Week 14, while they have a rushing Success Rate of 51 percent. San Francisco is the only team above 50 percent in the latter metric.

There are obviously other factors behind those numbers beyond Feliciano's impressive run blocking, including the stellar play of All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams and Offensive Player of the Year favorite Christian McCaffrey in the backfield.

Yet for a player signed just a one-year, $2.25 million deal, Feliciano has produced remarkably effective play.

Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave was the splash signing of free agency for the 49ers. While he has undoubtedly had a huge influence on the defense, a player signed for pennies by comparison has had a larger say in the 49ers finishing the job and achieving their ultimate regular-season goal over the last four weeks.