49ers: Ranking the Top 5 Defensive Players in Franchise History

Ranking the Top 5 Defensive Players in 49ers Franchise History

Dec 1, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) and inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) react after Willis recorded a sack against the St. Louis Rams in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Rams 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

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NFL: Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers /

2. Patrick Willis

The only thing that will count against Patrick Willis when he is eligible for the Hall of Fame is that his career perhaps wasn’t long enough.

Willis unexpectedly retired in 2015, an announcement that followed eight seasons of utter dominance from one of the greatest linebackers to play the game.

After being drafted in 2007, Willis led the NFL in tackles in his rookie year, winning the Defensive Rookie of Year award, and went on to develop into the heart and soul of the 49ers defense.

A punishing hitter with sideline-to-sideline athleticism, Willis excelled in every facet of his game and in his prime was one of the best coverage and best blitzing linebackers in the NFL.

When Willis and NaVorro Bowman were on the field, the 49ers boasted the best linebacking duo in the game. And, with seven Pro Bowls and five first-team All-Pro honors to his name, Willis’ has an extremely strong resume for the Hall of Fame.

Willis rose up from abject poverty to become one of the best defensive players of the modern era. He will forever be revered by 49er fans and his is a story that deserves to end with Willis being enshrined in Canton.