Early predictions for which 49ers make the Pro Bowl in 2019
By Peter Panacy
49ers Players Just Out of Pro Bowl Reach
There are inevitably going to be Pro Bowl snubs, and the 49ers surely experienced a couple of them last year.
Kicker Robbie Gould kicked more field goals (39) than anyone else in the NFL and missed just two of his tries. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner was Pro Football Focus‘ sixth-best interior defender last year, posting an elite-level 90.4 overall grade.
Neither got a Pro Bowl nod, though, and there are bound to be some close performances by the Niners in 2018.
San Francisco 49ers
Wide Receiver Pierre Garçon
Veteran wideout Pierre Garçon was on pace to be San Francisco’s first 1,000-yard receiver since 2014 before suffering a season-ending neck injury at the halfway point of 2017.
And that was before Jimmy Garoppolo took over starting duties over the final five games of the year.
Garçon should be one of the prime beneficiaries having Garoppolo under center, as the receiver’s toughness and reliability should lend well to the quarterback’s efforts.
An educated guess doesn’t have Garçon making the Pro Bowl, though, yet he might be in the discussion.
Tight End George Kittle
As Niner Noise’s Chris Wilson pointed out, 2017 rookie tight end George Kittle had more receptions (43) and receiving yards (515) than any other rookie TE drafted in Round 5 or later of the NFL Draft.
Pretty historic.
Don’t be surprised to see Kittle make a huge leap in year two of his pro career. But would it be enough to knock off someone like the Philadelphia Eagles’ Zach Ertz or Kyle Rudolph of the Minnesota Vikings.
Probably not.
Safety Jaquiski Tartt
One could argue strong safety Jaquiski Tartt was having a Pro Bowl-like campaign last year before suffering a season-ending arm injury in Week 9. After all, PFF handed him an 85.8 overall grade — good for 15th best among all qualifying safeties.
Poised to assume full-time duties here in 2018, Tartt will be an excellent player to watch.
A problem with defensive backs, though, is so much of the nomination process is based off traditional stats (interceptions, tackles, defended passes, etc.). Tartt isn’t much of a ballhawk, having recorded just two interceptions over his three-year career.
This likely forces him out of the cut.
Linebacker Reuben Foster
It’s hard to gauge what will happen with linebacker Reuben Foster, who is the Niners’ best player on defense with little question. Two offseason arrests, including one on charges of domestic violence and possession of an assault weapon, cloud his future, though.
Should the Niners retain him, he’ll likely face at least a six-game suspension by the NFL.
He won’t overcome that, at least as far as Pro Bowl nods go.
OK, onto the predicted nominees.