Every year after polling NFL players, NFL Network compiles a list of the top 100 players in the league. During the offseason, the players vote on their peers based on performance during the previous year and predicted performance during the upcoming season.
Last year, there were eight San Francisco 49ers players on the NFL Top 100 list. This year, there are none.
The following were the 49ers on the list in 2014 with their rank in parentheses.
(27) Patrick Willis
(33) Aldon Smith
(46) Frank Gore
(47) NaVorro Bowman
(51) Vernon Davis
(69) Justin Smith
(75) Joe Staley
(81) Colin Kaepernick
Three of these players from 2014 are no longer on the team. Running back Frank Gore was a free agent and signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive lineman Justin Smith have retired.
As for the others, linebacker NaVorro Bowman is returning from a severe ACL and MCL injury. Tight end Vernon Davis had one of the worst statistical seasons of his career while quarterback Colin Kaepernick and offensive lineman Joe Staley were part of the same ineffective offense.
What does all of this mean? Well, for one thing, it looks like the 49ers are flying under the radar among NFL players as well as within the media.
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