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

By Logan Stanley

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
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 /
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Aug 10, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; The Arch at Kezar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; The Arch at Kezar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 9: Ed Henke

49ers Tenure: 1951 – 1952; 1956 – 1960

Pro Bowl Selections: 1

A versatile player, Ed Henke played both sides of the ball, splitting time at defensive end and guard on the offensive line.

Unfortunately they are no recorded statistics from that era, but a rough estimation places Henke somewhere in the top 20 on the 49ers’ all-time tackle leaderboards and top 15 for all-time sacks considering games played and players at comparable positions.

Playing alongside a legendary defensive line —who is also on this list— he was selected to one Pro Bowl during his tenure with San Francisco in 1954. Henke was also named to two All-Pro teams, making first team in 1957 and second team in 1952.

With available data from the era, we know that once in his career he was the league leader in a category — fumbles recovered (four in 1959).