Pete Prisco of CBS Sports released his list of the top 100 NFL players entering the 2024 season. Unsurprisingly, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes grabbed the top spot, followed by defensive end Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns.
Nine San Francisco 49ers players appear in the rankings, with the first at the No. 3 spot: veteran tackle Trent Williams. The soon-to-be 36-year-old, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first-team All-Pro, made a significant jump from last year's No. 10 spot.
Running back Christian McCaffrey also soared up the list, bolstered by his NFL Offensive Player of the Year campaign last season. Additionally, three 49ers who did not appear in last year's rankings earned spots on Prisco's latest list.
Below is a rundown of where the nine 49ers players ranked in Prisco's top-100 list and what the longtime writer had to say about each.
Trent Williams, OT
2024 Rank: 3
2023 Rank: 10
"At the age of 36, he remains the game's best left tackle. He is key to their run game, but he also excels in pass protection. The only concern is when does he start to show his age."
Christian McCaffrey, RB
2024 Rank: 8
2023 Rank: 27
"He is the game's best back, a dual-threat player who can kill a defense with his ability to run it and catch it. He is the prototypical back for today's game -- and he gets paid like it."
Nick Bosa, DE
2024 Rank: 10
2023 Rank: 4
"His sack number fell from 18 1/2 in 2022 to 10 1/2 last season as he wasn't as dominant as he was the year before. He had just one double-digit sack game last season after having four in 2022."
Fred Warner, LB
2024 Rank: 22
2023 Rank: 37
"He remains the game's best inside linebacker, a true off-the-ball star. He can run and cover and play the run. The only issues are when he isn't as protected and big linemen get out on him in the run game."
George Kittle, TE
2024 Rank: 37
2023 Rank: 32
"He continued to be one of the league's best combo tight ends -- he is a dominant blocker -- as the 49ers went to the Super Bowl last season. He had 65 catches but he averaged 15.7 per catch, the best of his career."
Brandon Aiyuk, WR
2024 Rank: 45
2023 Rank: Not Ranked
"He had 75 catches with seven touchdowns, but his big-play ability was key to the 49ers' passing game. He averaged 17.9 yards per catch, which was the best in the league for players with 70 or more catches."
Charvarius Ward, CB
2024 Rank: 60
2023 Rank: Not Ranked
"In his time with the 49ers, he has developed into an outstanding cornerback who somehow doesn't get the due he deserves. He knows how to get the job done and plays the position with a feisty attitude that shows up on game days."
Deebo Samuel, WR
2024 Rank: 81
2023 Rank: 57
"He is a pure football player who can do a lot of things for the 49ers offense. His toughness is a big part of their identity. He had 60 catches with seven going for touchdowns, and also rushed for five scores and 225 yards."
Brock Purdy, QB
2024 Rank: 85
2023 Rank: Not Ranked
"He excels in the 49ers offense, putting to rest any talk that he couldn't do it again after his rookie season in 2022. He came back to throw 31 touchdown passes in 2023 and led the 49ers to the Super Bowl. He is perfect for what they do on offense and he averaged 9.6 per pass attempt to lead the league."