Choosing the best two players on the San Francisco 49ers roster is easy, with everyone's top duo likely matching. It becomes very subjective after that. Even our own ranking of the 49ers' top five players varied greatly after ILB NaVorro Bowman and OT Joe Staley, with everyone agreeing on the top two – but not much after that.
Beat writer Chris Biderman of Niners Wire has completed his offseason project of ranking the top 25 current 49ers – a process that started on June 18. While many would make Bowman their top pick, Biderman went in a different direction and placed Staley in his top spot. Despite leading the league in tackles, some believe that Bowman had a drop off in 2015 after returning from a devastating injury.
"The rankings are a projection for the coming season," Biderman told us via Twitter. That means that, while past performance may have influenced the ranking, it is really based on who he believes are the team's top players going into the 2016 season. Staley is not a bad choice for the top spot, as he has been consistent over the years despite the offensive line's recent diminished play.
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Biderman covers the team on a daily basis and performances during offseason practices likely played a big factor in his ranking. For example, defensive back Jimmie Ward came in fourth on his list. Ward is a strong candidate to start opposite Tramaine Brock, who came in at number 17, and has had a good showing during the offseason.
What does his final roster ranking look like? You can find it below with links for each player to Biderman's analysis and explanation.
- OT Joe Staley
- ILB NaVorro Bowman
- RB Carlos Hyde
- DB Jimmie Ward
- OLB Aaron Lynch
- FS Eric Reid
- NT Ian Williams
- DE Quinton Dial
- SS Antoine Bethea
- DE Arik Armstead
- WR Torrey Smith
- OG Joshua Garnett
- C Daniel Kilgore
- SS Jaquiski Tartt
- DE DeForest Buckner
- OLB Ahmad Brooks
- CB Tramaine Brock
- K Phil Dawson
- QB Blaine Gabbert
- OG Zane Beadles
- TE/FB Bruce Miller
- QB Colin Kaepernick
- WR Bruce Ellington
- TE Garrett Celek
- CB Dontae Johnson
What are your thoughts on the ranking? Which (if any) players do you believe are ranked too high or too low?