San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the top 10 players halfway through 2018

Richard Sherman not always being available separates him from the next player on this list, the 49ers’ longest-tenured player, left tackle Joe Staley.

Staley’s 77.1 overall Pro Football Focus grade is notably lower than the 89.6 overall mark he posted last year. And at 34 years old, it’s certainly reasonable to assume we’re starting to see the eventual downgrade that can affect any player in the twilight of his career.

Still, Staley’s efforts are still vastly better than a large chunk of offensive tackles around the league. To date, he’s allowed only three sacks and 10 pressures this season.

But one has to look at the greater effect Staley has had on the offensive line. Remember that stout rushing attack? It was an aspect Kyle Shanahan wasn’t happy with at the end of 2017.

While Staley is one of only two incumbents from last year’s O-line formation, it’s safe to say he’s been a part of the fix for all the right reasons.