The 49ers a year ago had only two Pro Bowlers in their four-win season – defensive lineman DeForest Buckner and tight end George Kittle. The 2020 edition of the NFL’s all-star game should have a much heavier 49ers presence.
With six players leading the NFC in fan voting at their positions and an 11-3 record, the 49ers are primed to be a popular team throughout the selection process, which also includes coach and player ballots.
Because of the three-tiered voting process, there’s no guarantee every worthy player will make it to the Pro Bowl, but these 49ers should be among those voted in for the NFC:
FB Kyle Juszczyk
TE George Kittle
DL Arik Armstead
DL DeForest Buckner
DE Nick Bosa
LB Fred Warner
CB Richard Sherman
FS Jimmie Ward
SS Jaquiski Tartt
RB Raheem Mostert
Juszczyk, Kittle, Armstead, Bosa, Sherman and Mostert were the six players who led their positions in fan votes. Mostert would get in as a special teams player, although his efficiency numbers indicate he should be in the conversation to make the team as a running back. His volume won’t allow him to realistically get there though.
Warner, Ward, Tartt and Buckner didn’t land among the top vote getters, but all four have been terrific this season for San Francisco.
Warner is quickly evolving into one of the most dominant off-ball linebackers in the league thanks to his improved aggressiveness against the run and dynamic coverage skills.
Ward is a key reason San Francisco’s defense has limited big plays, and he consistently puts together strong showings game in and game out. Tartt is right there too, although more of his impact happens closer to the line of scrimmage.
Buckner should make another trip to the Pro Bowl despite his decline in numbers. His dominance inside draws a lot of attention from opposing offensive lines and makes life easier on the rest of the front seven. He’s still managed 6.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss and four fumble recoveries.
The 49ers have had some of the NFC’s best individual efforts this season, and they’re certainly deserving of a ton of representation in Orlando.