The NFL Network concluded its Top 100 Players of 2018 countdown when the final 10 players were revealed Monday. Despite the collective hype surrounding the 49ers entering the 2018 season, they were not as widely represented as other prominent teams.
Two 49ers players were included in the annual list. Cornerback Richard Sherman and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco’s two marquee free agent signings this offseason, were ranked No. 64 and No. 90, respectively.
The 49ers were one of seven teams with two representatives. Three squads had one player named to the list. The Los Angeles Rams led the league with seven, including the No. 6 and No. 7 overall players with running back Todd Gurley and defensive tackle Aaron Donald.
The 49ers did not have a single representative last year, deeming the recent rankings as yet another sign of progress— and a testament to the 49ers brass’ recruiting talent — ahead of a highly anticipated season. If Garoppolo continues to play at a high level over the course of a full season (he has only seven career starts), his ranking figures to skyrocket. And Sherman, who has habitually made the list over his seven-year career, is ranked ‘low’ largely because he missed the final seven games of the 2017-18 season with the Seattle Seahawks after suffering a torn Achilles.
There is one glaring omission: 49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
Last year, in his second career season, he led all interior defensive linemen with 19 quarterback hits. Pro Football Focus ranked him as its No. 38 overall player in the 2017-18 season, making his snub in the NFL Network’s rendition that much more surprising.
There were no additional surprises. The collective youth among the 49ers roster helps explain why their future is so encouraging. And if all goes well, their young, budding players will sprout onto the national radar in upcoming seasons.
