Going 4-12 is not fun for the organization, the players, or the fans. That doesn't mean that the 49ers are just flat out a bad team. As we all saw in 2018, it was more of a mix of devastating injuries and a play or two away from a win that became a loss in multiple games.
This current 49ers roster has some very good players who they can build around and sustain success for years to come. We are going to take a look at the top 10 prior to the opening of the 2019 free agent market, after free agency if the 49ers are aggressive this list could change.
This is a two-part article, starting at 10. You can view the players ranking from No. 1-5 here.
Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
10. Richard Sherman - CB
One major bright spot of the 49ers 2018 season was definitely the play from Richard Sherman. He was outstanding throughout the year and effectively locked down an entire side of the field for the 49ers defense. Now some of his success is because the 49ers were primarily weak on the other side of the defense and the opposing offenses just avoided Sherman's side.
But when they tried to test Sherman it was rarely successful as he only allowed 25 catches in 14 games in 2018. The 49ers are going to need more of this consistency from Sherman in 2019 and will need to upgrade the unit around him but he certainly is a big part of the defense for the immediate future.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
9. Dante Pettis - WR
The 49ers second selection in the 2018 NFL Draft showed flashes of elite route running and ability throughout the season. A knee injury suffered early in the year kept Pettis out of some games but the back half of the season is when he looked like he was coming into his own.
Dante Pettis put his defender on a slip n slide 😮😮😮 @dmainy_13 pic.twitter.com/NJsGgq2Isq
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 29, 2018
Pettis finished the 2018 season with 27 catches, 467 yards, and five touchdowns. All in all a solid year for a rookie who only played in 12 games. If he can beat the injury bug that was biting him all year he will be a big part of the 49ers future and can become the number one target they so desperately need.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
8. Fred Warner - MLB
Warner was selected by the 49ers in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft and many chalked it up to be a solid pick and a guy who could contribute fairly quickly. However, nobody thought he would come in and become the leader of the defense right away. Nevertheless, that's what he did.
Warner quickly cemented himself as the quarterback of the 49ers defense and when they released former standout LB Reuben Foster it was like they didn't miss a beat. Warner has above-average ability to attack the ball and at times shows elite speed for the position. In Weeks 8-12, Warner was one of the very best LBs in football.
#49ers LB Fred Warner ranks 3rd in overall grade (88.6) and 1st in coverage grade (88.6) in Weeks 8-12. He's now earned a 71.8-plus overall grade in four straight games.
— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) November 26, 2018
Warner is the future at LB for San Francisco, and the future is bright.
📰: https://t.co/zGKuc0ibPb pic.twitter.com/K44h006C9E
Warner finished the 2018 campaign with 124 total tackles ranking him at 12th in the NFL. Warner also added six passes defended and one forced fumble. Warner should expect to be in the red and gold for a long time.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
7. Mike McGlinchey - OT
The 49ers first selection and the 9th overall of the 2018 NFL Draft, McGlinchey was everything and more than what the 49ers thought he would be. McGlinchey immediately came in and became an anchor on the 49ers offensive line.
He has elite run blocking ability and was rated as one of the very best in the NFL throughout the season, according to Pro Football Focus. He also finished the season as PFF's top-rated rookie lineman.
Mike McGlinchey leads all rookie offensive linemen in PFF grade through the first 16 weeks of the season. pic.twitter.com/VHQabKQEjU
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) December 27, 2018
The 49ers hit a home run with McGlinchey and he has shown that he has the traits to become a staple on the offensive line for the next decade.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
6. Kyle Juszczyk - FB
Fullbacks are people too! Juszczyk is no ordinary FB though, he is the 49ers' version of a "swiss army knife" or a "jack of all trades". Whatever you want to call him, he can do it all. He can lead the way through the hole and block on one play and swing out on a wheel route for a touchdown on the next.
Juice got loose for the touchdown. #SFvsKC x #GoNiners pic.twitter.com/zVrUWQzjhn
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 23, 2018
He provides mismatches all over the field for head coach Kyle Shanahan. His versatility can't be overlooked and although it seems like FBs are a dying position in today's NFL, Juszczyk is one of the best and an integral part of the 49ers' future.
Stay tuned for the final part of the series where we count down the Top 5 players on the 49ers roster!
