Congratulations to fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who was elected to the Pro Bowl despite being on a team that started the season 0-9 and who was the object of social-media scorn just three weeks ago. Running back Carlos Hyde, kicker Robbie Gould, tackles Joe Staley and Trent Brown were named as alternates.
But the playoff-shunned 49ers are all about their future. Consequently, we are here to predict which players will be Pro Bowlers in 2018.
Here we go:
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo: 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan admitted adversity is ahead for Garoppolo. ” I’m sure some day he will lose and guys have rough games. I don’t care how good you are or if you’re the greatest quarterback of all time,” Shanahan said. While he might not be the greatest quarterback ever, he has shown enough to be Pro Bowl-worthy next year.
Linebacker Reuben Foster: He’s been a sensation, and next year as presumably the middle linebacker, the 6 to 10 tackles he’s collecting now could increase dramatically. Foster will also expand his coverage abilities, which have already improved. This young defense is already feeding off his natural enthusiasm for the game and that is only going to increase as well.
Defensive end DeForest Buckner: Can one man be so unlucky? Buckner only has three sacks on the season, but he’s had several others wiped out by penalty and he’s constantly harassing the quarterback with hits and pressures. That’s to say nothing of his run defense. He’s third on the team in tackles.
Safety Jaquiski Tarrt: It’s difficult to choose between Tarrt and free safety Adrian Colbert, however, Tarrt is more experienced and was ready to really take off before he broke his arm. Tartt hasn’t played since early November, yet he’s still fifth on the team in tackles. He’s also a menacing blitzer and is starting to get to another level in his coverage.
Wide receiver Pierre Garcon: Also out since November with a neck injury, Garcon is likely to return to the Pro Bowl should Garoppolo stay healthy next year. Unusually productive this year with questionable quarterbacking, Garcon could approach the 100-catch plateau with a consistent quarterback despite the fact he’ll be 33 next season.
