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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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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. 2

ILB NaVorro Bowman

Linebacker NaVorro Bowman personifies everything that the new regime is attempting to build in San Francisco. He has the heart, smarts, tenacity, fight, dedication, sportsmanship and skill that you can only hope will rub off on other players. He comes pre-packaged as a giant ball of wisdom and example this new young defense can be molded by.

Bowman’s production in the league since 2006, regardless of the two seasons he missed from injury, is unrivaled. Pro Football Focus recently ranked him No.1 in the last decade against the run:

Bowman is the best at what he does and can do it from any formation. He is the face of the franchise and the leader of this team, what he is going to mean to the overall production is priceless and perfectly timed.

You cannot quantify the impact that he will have from stats alone.