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San Francisco 49ers: Top 5 players of the Jim Harbaugh era

By Adam Trovato

Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh hands off to running back Frank Gore (21) during warm up before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh hands off to running back Frank Gore (21) during warm up before the game against the San Diego Chargers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley (74) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tackle Joe Staley (74) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 5: Joe Staley

Joe Staley never missed a Pro Bowl selection under the Harbaugh era in San Francisco. In fact, he never missed a start. While it’s hard to equate the greatness of a left tackle in the NFL, one can certainly say Staley displayed a lot of it while manning the 49ers left side.

Under Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the offense boasted a ground-and-pound running game and a West Coast offense. This required the offensive line be able to sit back and protect the quarterback, as well as pile through the defensive line in order for running back Frank Gore to slice his way through the opponents defense.

Staley was and still is the anchor of the 49ers offensive line and has cemented himself as a 49er great with his attitude on and off the field.

With what seems like a never-ending roller-coaster ride in San Francisco, Staley has been nothing short of spectacular.