49ers: 5 players who have surprised the most in 2019 so far

5 49ers players who have surprised the most in 2019 so far

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 13: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass while Justin Skule #67 blocks Dante Fowler #56 of the Los Angeles Rams in the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 13, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

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CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 15: Ronald Blair III #98 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on September 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Defensive End Ronald Blair

He certainly doesn’t get the attention as some of his fellow higher-pedigree defensive linemen. But defensive end Ronald Blair has been outstanding in a reserve role for San Francisco this season.

Blair has been a good enough rotational player since being drafted by the 49ers back in 2016. But he certainly seems to be enjoying the prowess of his revamped line.

On just 118 snaps this season, Blair has already registered two sacks and two quarterback hits. In Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, when Blair recorded one of those sacks, one could have argued he was the Niners best defender on the field.

All this has translated to Blair receiving an exceptionally impressive 83.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. These marks are also equally spread between both his run- and pass-defense abilities.

San Francisco’s D-line depth has been a strength this season, and Blair’s prowess is a prime reason why.