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49ers’ top-10 most impactful team members of the 2017 season

By Jonah Burros

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) and other players celebrate after an interception against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers right cornerback Jimmie Ward (25) and cornerback Rashard Robinson (33) and other players celebrate after an interception against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley (74) blocks Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jack Crawford (58) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the 49ers 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4

LT Joe Staley

Perennial stalwart offensive tackle Joe Staley has the most unspoken responsibilities in the new regime’s rebuild.

The 49ers have enjoyed the comfort of having this five-time Pro Bowler in the trenches for the past decade, and he has proved to be one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL year in and year out.

To completely understand exactly what Staley is all about, you can simply look at the fact he was named a finalist for the 2016 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award during the worst 49ers season in franchise history. An award that Staley has been a finalist in consecutively and was started just three years ago for the  purpose of recognizing “an NFL player who best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.”

The 49ers had one of the best O-lines in the league just four years ago, but lost everyone but Staley to free agency or retirement, and have since pieced together suspect units.

They invested a first rounder in a new guard last year, with Joshua Garnett, and have several holdovers with center Daniel Kilgore and G Zane Beadles. But Staley has the podium on this line.

Staley has played at an elite level through six head coaches, even more blocking schemes and can do it all.

Kyle Shanahan’s blocking scheme is demanding of versatile, smart lineman. Staley is a consummate teacher and example setter. His affect on the new O-line is more than valuable and will produce and effect production on a multitude of levels that will never find their ways to headlines.