Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: 5 biggest cornerstone players heading into 2018

By Peter Panacy

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 10: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to their game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi’s Stadium on November 5, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 1: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo

The best quarterbacks in the league can carry an entire team, often setting up those franchise for years of continued success.

We have no clue if that’s the kind of QB Jimmy Garoppolo will turn into, but all signs are pointing to him being a franchise-type signal-caller.

Garoppolo’s sample size with the Niners is limited — just three-plus games — but he’s already made a notable impact on the offense in a number of different areas. For example, check out the first-down splits before and after:

If that’s not enough to convince you, Chris Landry of LandryFootball.com also agreed the 49ers are now on the upswing with Garoppolo under center, as Landry stated such on the Grant Napear Show on Sacramento’s KHTK 1140 earlier this week.

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Garoppolo effectively moving the offense, even with a limited knowledge of the playbook and with a relatively sub-par supporting cast, has taken pressure off the defense lately.

That defense is rested, playing better. The difference?

Garoppolo.

San Francisco got a steal by using its second-round pick to acquire Garoppolo from the New England Patriots. Without question, he’s a player to build around moving forward.

Next: 5 prospects the 49ers should watch in Round 1 of the NFL Draft

And considering the importance of the position, he’s easily No. 1 on this list.