San Francisco 49ers: 10 best defensive linemen in franchise history

By Logan Stanley | Jun 5, 2017

Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Justin Smith (94) celebrates after sacking Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6, not pictured) during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /

10 of 11

No. 2: Bryant Young

49ers Tenure: 1994 – 2007

Pro Bowl Selections: 4

One of the most illustrious players in franchise history, defensive end Bryant Young is a no-brainer being near the top of the list. Drafted No. 7 overall in 1994, expectations were obviously high for Young.

And he did not fail to deliver, being named to the All-Rookie team.

He was apart of the 49ers Super Bowl squad in 1994, and was selected to his first Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro in 1996. He would go onto make the Pro Bowl again in 1999, the same year he was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year after the devastating leg injury he suffered the year prior. Bryant again made the Pro Bowl in 2001 and 2002.

With his 89.5 sacks, Young is officially the franchise leader. He’s 23 sacks ahead of No. 2, Charles Haley, and is 75 ahead of the next current player, Aaron Lynch. Impressively enough, Young’s 89.5 sacks are fourth-most for a defensive tackle in the history of the NFL.