For the 49ers, it’s all about the future. How well will Jimmy Garoppolo play for the rest of the season? Can he continue to find receivers and keep the chains moving? Will defensive players line defensive end Solomon Thomas, linebacker Reuben Foster and safety Adrian Colbert continue to develop? With that in mind, here are our top 49ers’ candidates for the 2018 Pro Bowl, or we should say, the 2019 Pro Bowl, which
will be played after next season.
Here we go.
1. Foster – The guy might even make the Pro Bowl this year. He’s been excellent and could be the next great linebacker along with Seattle’s Bobby Wagoner and Carolina’s Luke Kuechly. His only issue will be health.
2. Defensive end DeForest Buckner – Another player who could have made it this year. However, he probably doesn’t have the sack numbers to draw enough votes. Nevertheless, if Buckner can get into the pocket a half a tick earlier he could be a 12- to 14-sack player.
3. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk – There are not a lot of pure fullbacks left, and that’s a reason Juszczyk could even make it this year. While he’s fumbled too much and his statistics are pedestrian, it’s rare he misses a lead block and he is athletic enough to carry the ball and catch passes.
4. Wide receiver Pierre Garcon – Garcon was putting up numbers with Brian Hoyer, imagine if he has a full season under Kyle Shanahan with Garoppolo as his quarterback. Garcon could once again return to being among the most productive receivers in the league. Right now, he’s recovering with a neck injury. However in just eight games with a limited passing game, Garcon caught 40 passes for 500 yards, numbers that will likely increase with a better quarterback next year.
5. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo – While everyone is justifiably excited after Garoppolo’s opening performance in the Chicago win, Garoppolo will have to maintain his success. Tough times could be ahead for him in the final four games of the season. Nevertheless, the quick release, natural pocket presence, and veteran bearing are undeniable. The 49ers are likely to bolster the talent around him in the draft and free agency.
6. Safety Jaquiski Tarrt – Whether he’s at free or strong safety, Tarrt was rated highly by Profootballfocus.com before a broken arm put him on season-ending injured reserve. With greater knowledge of the defense next year, Tarrt could have an extremely positive impact.
7. Tackle Joe Staley – Staley’s been to five Pro Bowls and could add a sixth this year. Even though Staley will be in his 12th season next season, he keeps himself in terrific condition. And the 49ers brass seems intent on keeping Staley as a stalwart bookend along with Trent Brown on the right side.
8. Colbert – Colbert came back from thumb surgery and played well again against the Bears. So far, the seventh-round choice has proven to be excellent against the run and the pass with his range and surprising hitting ability. The big concern with him is health because of his slender frame.
9. Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin – Now Goodwin is adding a short and intermediate receiving game to his deep-threat gifts. With a consistent quarterback, Goodwin could prove to be an explosive player.
10. Cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon – He has the length and intelligence to catch on quickly. He looked like a bust in the preseason, but Witherspoon seems to get better each game.
