Niners’ Talent Level May Be Higher Than Recent Evaluations

Just two years ago, it seemed there was no limit to what the 49ers might do.San Francisco had just come off a trip to the Super Bowl and its lineup was stacked with some of the best players in the NFL.In fact, the 49ers had nine athletes on the NFL Network's annual rating of the Top 100 Players in the league.Back then, the 49ers, Eagles and Ravens – also with nine players – led the NFL in talent, according to the NFL Network. San Francisco's representatives were safety Dashon Goldson (ranked 96th), quarterback Colin Kaepernick (81), tackle Joe Staley (78), tight end Vernon Davis (38), linebacker NaVorro Bowman (37), running back Frank Gore (32), defensive end Justin Smith (29), linebacker Patrick Willis (10) and outside linebacker Aldon Smith (7).What a difference two years make.When the NFL Network recently released its Top 100 Players of 2015, the 49ers had no players on the list. Zero.That doesn't mean the 49ers don't have impact players, however.Aldon Smith, who missed a good chunk of 2014, is healthy and motivated and promises he'll again be an impact player. Davis, too, has had a strong offseason after a disappointing 2014. And Bowman, perhaps the best inside...