Niner Noise
FanSided

Power ranking the 49ers top 10 players entering 2019

By James Jones

George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Richard Sherman #25 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up before the game against the Denver Broncos at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Richard Sherman

Did anyone ever think there would be a time you would see cornerback Richard Sherman on a top 10 list and not cringe? I didn’t either, yet here we are.

Sherman signed a three-year contract with the 49ers on March 10, 2018, two days after being released by the Seattle Seahawks: The only NFL team he had ever known.

The four-time All-Pro defensive back did not disappoint in his inaugural season in San Francisco. Opposing quarterbacks continuously looked the other direction when dropping back to pass. Much to the chagrin of fellow cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon.

By the end of Week 6 last season, Sherman had given up only two receptions to the 49ers’ opponents. To break this down for full effect, Sherman was in coverage on 198 pass plays and opposing quarterbacks had only thrown his way 10 times.

As last season progressed, he allowed more catches as teams began to throw to his side of the field more often. He finished 2018 having allowed a passer rating of 106.6, good for 68th in the league.

With another year under his belt and more time removed from the Achilles injury that ended his season early in 2017, Sherman appears to be 100 percent. If that is the case then look for his numbers to get even better this season.

SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after making a reception during the game against the Denver Broncos during at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – DECEMBER 09: Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after making a reception during the game against the Denver Broncos during at Levi’s Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Joe Staley

After McGlinchey got the nod at No. 8 on this list, one would have to assume we’d see one more offensive lineman. The man that time forgot, or Joe Staley as he’s known around the league, is possibly the best tackle the 49ers have ever seen.

He is one of only three members on the current roster who was around the last time the 49ers went to the Super Bowl in 2012. Staley was drafted in 2007 after trading back into the first round that saw the 49ers draft linebacker Patrick Willis earlier in the night.

Since that time, Staley has been a staple on the line that was always competitive and culminated with three straight NFC Championship games and that Super Bowl appearance from 2011 through 2013.

Staley ranked No. 96 on the Pro Football Focus’ top 101 players of 2018 in February of this year. His 13th year in the league doesn’t appear to be slowing him down in the slightest. He still has the drive and determination to play for as long as he can.

A healthy Staley will only help to keep the continuity along the line the 49ers are enjoying this coming season.

That should go a long way to the team finding success in 2019.