San Francisco 49ers: Predicting 5 players who make the 2019 Pro Bowl

The San Francisco 49ers sent two players to the 2018 Pro Bowl after last season, fullback Kyle Juszczyk and left tackle Joe Staley. Let’s look at those who may make the cut in 2019.

Despite a strong finish to the 2018 season, winning their final five games, the San Francisco 49ers still sent just two players to the 2018 Pro Bowl: fullback Kyle Juszczyk and left tackle Joe Staley.

It wasn’t much of a surprise, really. Despite the finish, the Niners were a six-win team and generally lacked the overall star power many Pro Bowlers are required to have to earn a nomination or selection as an alternate.

One could argue Juszczyk got in based off the fact fullbacks are a dying breed in today’s NFL, while Staley earned his based off previous merits alone.

It helped Staley had an excellent 2017 campaign anyway, though.

Heading into 2018, things figure to be a bit different. Along with all the hype surrounding quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, head coach Kyle Shanahan’s squad boasts more than a few names worthy of Pro Bowl consideration once the regular season concludes. Cornerback Richard Sherman has four Pro Bowls to his credit. Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner is emerging as a household name, while running back Jerick McKinnon is poised for a breakout year.

There are others too.

But before we get into the five predicted Niners Pro Bowlers for 2019, let’s take a look at some possible snubs — guys who should receive a nod but likely won’t.

49ers 2019 Pro Bowl Snubs

Kicker Robbie Gould

Veteran kicker Robbie Gould should have made the Pro Bowl last year. After all, his 39 made field goals led the NFL, and his 95.1 field-goal completion percentage ranked second best in the league behind the Carolina Panthers’ Graham Gano (96.7) and above that of Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro Los Angeles Rams kicker Greg Zuerlein (95.0).

Not to mention Gould accounted for nearly 44 percent of the 49ers’ 331 points scored last year.

San Francisco’s offense should be better in 2018, which will limit Gould’s chances. But he should at least earn some strong consideration despite another snub.

Left Tackle Joe Staley

Staley was an alternate last year but still managed to finish as Pro Football Focus‘ second best-graded tackle on the season, posting an 87.4 overall grade.

While we should expect Staley to have another fine season in San Francisco in 2018, it’s hard to get around the fact he’ll turn 34 years old before Week 1. He’s still going to be the Niners’ best offensive lineman this year, but it wouldn’t be shocking at all to see him get snubbed.

Still, Staley can look back at his six Pro Bowl nods thus far and feel pretty good about them.

Wide Receiver Pierre Garçon

Just think, veteran wideout Pierre Garçon was on pace to have exactly 1,000 receiving yards before suffering a season-ending neck injury at the halfway mark of 2017.

And that was before Garoppolo took over starting duties.

Envisioning a Garçon-Garoppolo relationship on the field should have Niners fans excited. But fans might want to temper expectations a bit, as Shanahan’s play calling will likely spread the ball around quite a bit this season.

Garçon’s number splits may see a slight drop this season, which likely keeps him just outside the Pro Bowl discussion.

Cornerback Richard Sherman

Sherman was a perennial Pro Bowler before his 2017 campaign — the same one cut short by his season-ending Achilles injury. And despite his impressive resume thus far, one should chew on this, from Better Rivals’ Oscar Aparicio:

With little question, Sherman is the best corner on San Francisco’s roster. But he also just turned 30 years old, and one might ask if he’s still going to play at a Pro Bowler’s level.

If so, wonderful. Yet for this prediction, he barely misses out.

OK, onto the guys who make it.