Pro Football Focus named the top three players on all 32 NFL teams as the league enters the 2022 season. Many could argue that do-it-all wide receiver Deebo Samuel had the most impact on the San Francisco 49ers' success last season. However, he was not among the team's top three. The analytics site did consider him and star linebacker Fred Warner, though.
"The fact that Warner or Samuel don't crack the list speaks to the quality of talent on San Francisco's roster," wrote analyst Ben Linsey.
Linsey's three best 49ers players: tackle Trent Williams, defensive end Nick Bosa, and tight end George Kittle.
Williams' 97.8 overall Pro Football Focus grade from the 2021 regular season led the entire NFL. It was the highest-ever grade awarded by the analytics site.
"Williams has been nearly as dominant on the offensive line in his two seasons with the 49ers as [Rams defensive tackle Aaron] Donald has been on the other side of the line of scrimmage," Linsey explained. "Williams' 96.8 PFF grade since 2020 is over six points higher than any other tackle in the league with at least 1,000 snaps played."
Bosa's 88.3 defensive grade in 2021 was a career-high. In addition, his pass-rush grade of 89.8 surpassed that of his Defensive Rookie of the Year pass rush grade by over eight points. Bosa recorded a career-high and team-leading 15.5 sacks, adding 75 pressures and 42 hurries during his 2021 campaign.
Kittle's 90.9 overall grade in 2021 was his highest since 2019, ranking second to Mark Andrews of the Baltimore Ravens among all tight ends. Kittle's receiving grade of 91.4 led all tight ends last season. The All-Pro caught 71 passes for 910 yards and a career-high six touchdowns through 14 games in 2021.
"Bosa and Kittle, when healthy, are also both among the best in the league at their respective positions," wrote Linsey. "That was true for Bosa even as a rookie in 2019, when he recorded 80 quarterback pressures (sixth among all edge rushers)."
