It's official: The 49ers have the most blue-chip talent in the NFL
The NFL Top 100 always creates plenty of debate, but there is a clear takeaway from this list few would dispute. While Patrick Mahomes was deservedly crowned as the league's best player by his peers, from a team perspective it was the 49ers who were the biggest winners. The 49ers had eight players on the […]
The NFL Top 100 always creates plenty of debate, but there is a clear takeaway from this list few would dispute.
While Patrick Mahomes was deservedly crowned as the league's best player by his peers, from a team perspective it was the 49ers who were the biggest winners.
The 49ers had eight players on the Top 100, more than any other team in the league, the vote by NFL players illustrating the strength of a roster blessed with All-Pro talent on both sides of the ball.
Nick Bosa was the top 49er and top defender on the list. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, holding out from training camp amid talks over a potentially record-setting extension, ranked fourth overall.
Left tackle Trent Williams was 14th, one place ahead of linebacker Fred Warner and five spots above tight end George Kittle, who snuck inside the top 20.
Christian McCaffrey has a case for being ranked much higher than his placing of 35th, the running back the final 49er in the top 50.
Deebo Samuel dropped from 19 to 61 after a 2022 hindered in part by injuries. All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga and linebacker Dre Greenlaw were new entrants into the Top 100 at 78th and 79th respectively.
The amount of 49ers on the list could well expand next year if Brandon Aiyuk builds on his first 1,000-yard season in 2022 to deliver a Pro Bowl season in 2023. Then there is the possibility of starting quarterback Brock Purdy sustaining the play he produced over the final five weeks of the regular-season last year over the course of a full campaign.
There is no pressure on Purdy to elevate those around him, though. His priority is staying healthy. As long as he can do that, a roster with the most blue-chip talent in the NFL led by the league's pre-eminent offensive mind in Kyle Shanahan should be able to deliver a baseline level of play to ensure the 49ers are in the mix to challenge for the Super Bowl again.
Nick Bosa’s status as NFL’s top defender reaffirmed by Top 100 list
His peers clearly see him as the best.
Featured Image Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
