Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 10 most important players in 2018

By Aaron Tan

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) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Adrian Colbert #38 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Evan Engram #88 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 12: Adrian Colbert #38 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass intended for Evan Engram #88 of the New York Giants during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on November 12, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

No. 9: Safety Adrian Colbert

It wouldn’t be a reach to say that safety Adrian Colbert was last year’s steal of the draft. Despite being drafted in the seventh round, Colbert slid into the starting lineup in the middle of the season and instantly made an impact on the defensive side of the ball.

Colbert hits receivers hard. Whenever a receiver caught a ball near Colbert’s zone, the rookie defensive back out of Miami would absolutely light the receiver up, often forcing a pass breakup in the process. He also displayed great coverage skills, often making PBUs.

When opposing teams watch tape on the 49ers during the offseason, they will want to be careful of throwing in the direction of Colbert. He is truly a force to be reckoned with in the secondary.