49ers: Identifying the 5 Cornerstones on the Roster for 2017

San Francisco 49ers: Identifying 5 Cornerstone Players on 2017 Roster

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 29, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Linebacker NaVorro Bowman

Right now, linebacker NaVorro Bowman is the 49ers.

He’s one of the few holdovers from San Francisco’s last Super Bowl team. And he remains the unquestioned leader of the Niners defense.

And that defense sorely missed Bowman’s presence after he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury early in 2016.

At 28 years old, Bowman may not be a linch pin within the defense for much longer. That said, he easily has three or four more years of better-than-good play within his body. If his injury doesn’t create any more setbacks, of course.

This time should allow San Francisco’s next general manager ample time to create a linebacker corps revolving around the perennial All-Pro.

And if the Niners can find another promising inside linebacker to pair with Bowman — a la the days of he and Patrick Willis — the 49ers defense would be oh so much better than it was in 2016.