Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: 10 best linebackers in franchise history

By Logan Stanley

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former player Patrick Willis before the game against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers former player Patrick Willis before the game against the New York Jets 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 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) celebrates after the 49ers recovered an onside kick during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Francisco 49ers 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: NaVorro Bowman

49ers Tenure: 2010 – present

Pro Bowl Selections: 3

This ranking is based what’s available on this day I’m writing this, May 21, 2017. I say when it’s all said and done, I think linebacker NaVorro Bowman is at the top of this list. For now though, he resides in this spot.

Since entering the league, Bowman has been one of the NFL’s most productive linebackers. He played sparingly his rookie year, but has been a force to be reckoned with over the past five seasons.

He’s been voted first team All-Pro every full season he’s played and started in (2010 and 2016 seasons are removed), and made the Pro Bowl in 2012, 2013 and 2015. Bowman is currently sixth on the 49ers’ tackles leaderboard at 505, and that includes a full missed season and a partially missed season.

Imagine if he didn’t sustain those injuries. He theoretically could already be No. 1 and it’s entirely plausible — Bowman averages 110.7 tackles in a 16-game, 16-start season, and he’s missed over a season half. The leader is at 732. Goes to show the insane production of Bowman.