Niner Noise
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5 49ers Who Could Make San Francisco Playoff Contenders

By Chandler Wright

Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (15) scores a receiving touchdown against Virginia Cavaliers cornerback Maurice Canady (26) in the first quarter of their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (15) scores a receiving touchdown against Virginia Cavaliers cornerback Maurice Canady (26) in the first quarter of their game at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 28, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Team Irvin linebacker Navorro Bowman of the San Francisco 49ers (53) during the 2016 Pro Bowl practice at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 28, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Team Irvin linebacker Navorro Bowman of the San Francisco 49ers (53) during the 2016 Pro Bowl practice at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

January 28, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Team Irvin linebacker Navorro Bowman of the San Francisco 49ers (53) during the 2016 Pro Bowl practice at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

No. 1: LB NaVorro Bowman

It was a tough decision between running back Carlos Hyde and linebacker NaVorro Bowman. But in the end, Bowman’s story is so inspirational, and with head coach Chip Kelly on board, the defense will have to be strong.

Bowman’s bounce-back season can help make that happen.

We all know how the 2014 NFC Championship game ended for Bowman. But for those who don’t, he tore his ACL, MCL and dislocated his kneecap all on the same play. Down at the goal line, his leg was twisted under the weight of 49ers’ safety Eric Reid and Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kerse.

In 2015, Bowman returned from his injury, but his coverage skills were lacking. Despite being a Pro Bowler, a First-Team All-Pro, voted a Top 100 player of 2016 at No. 61 and leading the NFL in tackles with 154, Pro Football Focus still put Bowman in their 5 Players Who Shouldn’t have made the Pro Bowl article, saying:

"NaVorro Bowman, LB, San Francisco 49ers (62.0) Why he was picked: Because history tells us Bowman is a beast. Oh, and tackles. Bowman had a ton of tackles (we had him with the most of any linebacker). Why he is a poor pick: Tackles aren’t always a good indicator (in coverage, it normally means you’ve been beaten). But chiefly, it’s because Bowman would likely admit that this year hasn’t been near his 2013 best, and that he’s still working himself back to full fitness. Alternative selection: Kansas City’s Derrick Johnson (90.9) must feel pretty slighted. He’s our second-ranked linebacker on the year."

Despite this, Bowman is ready for 2016, saying he’s 100 percent now and has no pain, according to Elpato of Ninersnation.com.

More from Niner Noise

It’s clear that Bowman will bounce back big in 2016 and could help San Francisco make the playoffs for the first time since 2013.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: 5 Best Position Battles to Watch in Camp

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com, Sports-Reference.com, 49ers.com and NFL.com unless otherwise indicated.