Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: The best 53-man roster of all time

By Peter Panacy

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LOS ANGELES – SEPTEMBER 22: Running back Frank Hawkins #27 of the Los Angeles Raiders blocks against defensive back Eric Wright #21 of the San Francisco 49ers in a kick-off during the game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 22, 1985 in Los Angeles, California. The 49ers won 34-10. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES – SEPTEMBER 22: Running back Frank Hawkins #27 of the Los Angeles Raiders blocks against defensive back Eric Wright #21 of the San Francisco 49ers in a kick-off during the game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 22, 1985 in Los Angeles, California. The 49ers won 34-10. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /

Cornerback

Jimmy Johnson, Eric Wright, Deion Sanders, Don Griffin, Eric Davis, Abe Woodson

Gosh, just think of Deion Sanders as a backup.

Well, it’s deserved. At least on this list, as Sanders played his lone season in San Francisco in 1994. Granted, the 49ers won the Super Bowl that year, so it’s OK. But he’d have to have stayed longer to classify for starter’s status.

Even if that had been the case, Sanders would have had a hard time beating out cornerbacks Eric Wright and Jimmy Johnson.

With little doubt, Johnson is the best cornerback in franchise history, having played a lengthy 16-year career with the Niners. During that stretch from 1961 through 1976, Johnson was named to the Pro Bowl five times and received four first-team All-Pro nominations. And while Ronnie Lott still holds the franchise’s lead in interceptions, Johnson’s 47 are just four behind.

Deservedly so, Johnson was named to the Hall of Fame in 1994.

Meanwhile, Eric Wright is about as good a No. 2 corner the team could have on this 53-man roster. Let’s throw in eight-year Niner Don Griffin in there too.

Lastly, particularly for his contributions in the return game, five-time Pro Bowler Abe Woodson makes the cut based on his efforts from the late 1950s and early 1960s.