Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports this week listed, in his opinion, the best current NFL players for every jersey number. Four San Francisco 49ers appeared on the list. Eight teams were represented more, including the Baltimore Ravens, who led the list with nine players.
The 49ers players who are considered the best to don their jersey numbers entering the 2020 season are cornerback Richard Sherman (No. 25), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57), tight end George Kittle (85), and defensive end Nick Bosa (97).
Nick Bosa beat out his brother, Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Chargers, despite the former having played only one NFL season. He, as his brother did in 2016, was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
"Joey just got paid, and Joey's got more of a track record," explained Benjamin, "but you know what? Nick wasted absolutely zero time showing the NFL he's just as dominant off the edge."
There's really no argument for another player over Sherman or Kittle. Greenlaw's name for No. 57 might surprise some, though.
"This probably would've been C.J. Mosley, had the Jets LB not [opted] out," admits Benjamin.
Cornerback Marlon Humphrey of the Baltimore Ravens was named the best player in the NFL wearing No. 44. However, some thought went to placing the 49ers fullback there.
"Kyle Juszczyk makes some sense here, but Humphrey is a top-level corner on a contender at his best," wrote Benjamin.