San Francisco 49ers: Niners Dominate Top 100 NFL Players List
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CBS's Pete Prisco has named nine San Francisco 49ers to his list of the top 100 players in the NFL, the highest representation for any team in the league.
Trent Williams leads the 49ers, ranked No. 3 overall. Only Patrick Mahomes and Myles Garrett are placed higher. Williams, renowned for his agility and superb pass protection, is pivotal to the 49ers' offense.
Christian McCaffrey follows at No. 8. While highly regarded as the NFL's best running back and reigning Offensive Player of the Year, some argue this ranking ahead of quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson is overly generous.
Defensive lineman Nick Bosa, at No. 10, was the Defensive Player of the Year for 2022. However, there's contention he should rank lower than teammate Fred Warner, cited as the 49ers' defensive linchpin.
Fred Warner himself is placed at No. 22, lauded as the NFL's premier linebacker, especially in coverage, though his run defense needed improvement last season.
Tight end George Kittle comes in at No. 37. Despite being the second-best in his position league-wide, his reduced role in the offense places his ranking under scrutiny.
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, at No. 45, faces a ranking viewed as low considering his recent performance. Aiyuk is argued to have surpassed Kittle and Jaylen Waddle, who is ranked higher.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward is listed at No. 60, a ranking many fans see as undervaluing his contributions, especially compared to peers like L'Jarius Snead.
Deebo Samuel ranks No. 81, a position considered fair, acknowledging his diminished impact as a receiver but recognizing his playmaking abilities.
Quarterback Brock Purdy closes the list for the 49ers at No. 85. Critics find this ranking unreasonably low, suggesting it should parallel early-career quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud, who is ranked No. 38.