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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 10 most important players in 2017

By Peter Panacy

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 /
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Jun 13, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) smiles at reporters in a press conference during the San Francisco 49ers minicamp at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) smiles at reporters in a press conference during the San Francisco 49ers minicamp at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Linebacker NaVorro Bowman

One might think veteran linebacker NaVorro Bowman should be the most important player for the 49ers this upcoming season.

Well, almost. But not quite.

What keeps Bowman from the top guy on this list is the fact he could likely be relegated to second-tier duties at some point this season. And the guy who replaces him at MIKE would end up being the rookie, Reuben Foster — another player who just misses the cut but could see his name on here soon.

This isn’t a bad thing, per se. Remember, Bowman took over as the team’s No. 1 linebacker back in 2013 over Patrick Willis. The move allowed Willis to make more manageable plays, leaving the dirty work for a then-younger Bowman.

Remember, Bowman is coming off his second season-ending injury. While his prognosis for a fully healthy year looks good, it would be wise for San Francisco to lessen his role a bit and extend his career in the process.

Bowman is still the captain of the defense, without doubt. And his long-term importance remains strong, as he’ll serve as a mentor for guys like Foster in coming seasons.