Three of Bleacher Report's analysts — Brad Gagnon, Brent Sobleski, and Gary Davenport — compiled a list of the top 50 NFL players heading into the 2020 season. Two San Francisco 49ers were named to the list.
The first to represent the Niners is second-year pass rusher Nick Bosa, who comes in at No. 42.
"Nick Bosa proved unblockable at times along the San Francisco 49ers' talented defensive front," wrote Bleacher Report. "No other rookie came close to the 80 pressures he generated last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Last year's No. 2 overall pick is well on his way to superstardom and will get there if he consistently attacks opponents like he did during his first campaign."
In addition to his 80 pressures, Bosa racked up nine sacks, 47 tackles, 25 quarterback hits, an interception, and two passes defensed during the regular season while adding four more postseason sacks on his way to being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
San Francisco made Bosa the No. 2 overall pick during the 2019 NFL Draft.
Tight end George Kittle is the other 49ers player named to Bleacher Report's top 50. The All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler comes in at No. 7.
Bleacher Report notes that tight ends are often judged by gaudy statistics. While Kittle has certainly put up some impressive numbers over his three NFL seasons, earning him the largest contract ever for a tight end, he's also one of the 49ers' best blockers.
"He isn't just the most well-rounded tight end in the game; he's a true difference-maker at a position that's not generally valued as much as others," wrote Bleacher Report. "At 26 years old, Kittle is well on his way to becoming an all-time great if a rival is to be believed."
Kittle has hauled in 216 passes for 2,945 yards with 12 touchdowns since the 49ers made him a fifth-round draft pick in 2017. An impressive 2,430 of those yards and 10 touchdowns came over the last two seasons.
"The physicality found in the tight end's game makes him a joy to watch," added Bleacher Report. "As a blocker, Kittle will bury anyone in front of him. When he's a target in the passing game, few teams can break him down once he's in the open field. According to Pro Football Focus, he was the only tight end last season with 600 or more yards after the catch."
