49ers need injection of youth on list of best players
49ers need injection of youth on list of best players
Last season exposed the depth problems that plagued the San Francisco 49ers roster. This offseason they made some moves they're hoping fix some of those depth problems.
However, there has to be more to it for the 49ers when it comes to adding youth to their aging roster. They need to find new stars.
Pro Football and Sports Network had left tackle Trent Williams listed as the 49ers' best player. Other options we may have considered instead are running back Christian McCaffrey, tight end George Kittle, defensive end Nick Bosa and linebacker Fred Warner.
That's an outstanding group of top-end talent, and they're a key reason the 49ers may be able to bounce back and make a deep playoff run this season after a 6-11 finish in 2024. It's also a group that's quickly getting older where their ability to carry the load as the best players on a championship team will begin to diminish pretty quickly.
Williams will be 37 by the time training camp starts. He's the oldest of that group. Bosa is the youngest and he turns 28 this season. Warner turns 29 this season. McCaffrey turned 29 in the offseason.
Quarterback Brock Purdy and cornerback Deommodore Lenoir both turn 26 this season. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk turns 27. That trio would ideally be headlining a core that has the 49ers contending for Super Bowls three seasons from now. Adding to that top-end group is where the 2024 and 2025 draft classes become essential for the 49ers' future.
They need first-round picks like Ricky Pearsall or Mykel Williams to become stars who factor into the "best player" conversation for San Francisco. They would also greatly benefit from a Day 3 pick like CJ West or Malik Mustapha becoming an All-Pro caliber player the way Day 3 picks Kittle and Dre Greenlaw did.
This year the current group of "best players" should be good enough to get the 49ers back to Super Bowl contention. If they're going to remain competitive in an expanded Super Bowl window, younger players will need to start taking leaps and establishing themselves as pieces of the team's core.
More 49ers: 49ers free agent wide receiver announces retirement after 10 seasons
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
27 minutes ago
- USA Today
After Eagles' FA defections, do Cowboys or Giants have NFC East's best DL?
After Eagles' FA defections, do Cowboys or Giants have NFC East's best DL? NFC East teams feature defensive line units that would all rank among the best in the entire NFL. While the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders have invested heavily in their offensive lines and receiving rooms, the defensive lines have been the mainstays of the division for a long time. Eli Manning is a Hall of Fame candidate thanks to the Giants' DL being catalysts for two Super Bowl runs. They've recently drafted two defensive ends in the top five, traded for a starting edge rusher, and paid the best one-technique in the NFL, who was also a first-round pick. The Eagles' pass rush, led by a defensive line that had three first-round picks, tormented Patrick Mahomes in route to a Super Bowl blowout. Washington has seen former top picks Chase Young and Jonathan Allen depart, but still have Daron Payne and continue to invest in the line in free agency and the draft. Dallas just paid Osa Odighizuwa, signed Dante Fowler Jr., drafted a defensive end in the second round three of the past four seasons, and Micah Parsons was a first-round selection. 4. Washington Commanders Dorance Armstrong followed Dan Quinn over from Dallas to become a starting defensive end for the Commanders. He played 60% of the snaps, 600-plus for the first time in his career, and became a solid starter. He achieved his highest totals in QB knockdowns, pressures, and tackles, but his lowest sack total since 2020, and his missed tackle percentage increased by over 10%. His run defense needs to improve. Pro Football Focus graded him at 46.4 against the run compared to a 76.4 pass rush grade and a 68.9 overall grade. Armstrong isn't a star, but he is a positive starter for Washington. The other defensive end spot needs to be upgraded. Clelin Ferrell is a solid edge setter, but doesn't offer much of a pass rusher. Deatrich Wise is a veteran rotational defensive end who is a decent backup. He has averaged 42 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and five tackles for a loss a season. Jacob Martin is another option, but he hasn't been as productive as Ferrell or Wise. The strength of the team has long been the defensive tackle position, featuring Jonathan Allen and Payne. However, Allen signed elsewhere as a free agent, and Payne had a down year in his first season in Quinn's system. Quinn's defenses have difficulty stopping the run, and this issue persisted last year. Washington was the third worst in rush yards allowed and yards per carry. Payne might be in decline due to age and attrition. Allen is going to be replaced by free agent signing Javon Kinlaw and 2024 second-round pick Jer'Zhan Newton. ] Eddie Goldman is the backup for Payne. 3. Philadelphia Eagles The Eagles suffered several losses to their defensive line this offseason, which is why they fell to third in the division. Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Brandon Graham, and Bryce Huff are a lot of production to replace. Nolan Smith Jr. had a breakout season in his sophomore campaign with 6.5 sacks, eight tackles for a loss, and 15 pressures. The former first-round pick will step in as a starter and is expected to be a quality player. He is a light edge rusher, but had a run defense grade of 77.6 and a missed tackle percentage of only 2.3%. Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche have been successful pass rushers, but Uche hasn't been the same since his breakout season in 2022, and Ojulari just hasn't been able to stay healthy. Jalen Carter is a game-changer as a pass rusher and could develop into the next Aaron Donald. He isn't as impactful as a run defender; PFF graded him under 60 against the run. His playmaking ability will raise the play of everyone around him. Jordan Davis has one job: to take on double teams and open up holes for linebackers and one-on-one blocks for Carter. Moro Ojomo is going to try to fill the shoes of Williams. 2. Dallas Cowboys Parsons is everything a team wants in a star pass rusher. He has posted generational numbers that place him in the ranks of Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White, with no less than 12 sacks, 23 QB hits, 41 pressures, 12 tackles for a loss in any season. Osa Odighizuwa is the other lineman with game-changing abilities on the defensive line. His plays behind the line of scrimmage might seem light, with only five tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks, but his 23 QB hits and 33 pressures indicate the type of impact he has in the backfield. The key to Odighizuwa taking the next step could be an improved rotation around him. He played over 850 snaps, accounting for 78% of the defensive snaps on the season. Dante Fowler Jr was a double-digit sack guy for the Commanders and could have another season with 10 or more sacks with Parsons and Odighizuwa taking all the double-team blocks. The young edge rushers rotating with them are all full of potential. If one or more of their second-round picks, Marshawn Kneeland, Donovan Ezeiruaku, or Sam Williams, can be productive defensive ends, their edge unit could be elite. Solomon Thomas was brought in by the new defensive line coach, Aaron Whitecotton, who had previously coached Thomas with the New York Jets. Thomas hasn't lived up to his draft status, but he is a high-character, high-motor player who is in the best shape of his life. Thomas doesn't have to start, but if he can provide productive snaps to allow Odighizuwa to get a rest. Mazi Smith and Jay Toia will be the one-technique tackles next to Odighizuwa and Thomas, and could be the key to how special this defensive line could be. 1. New York Giants Abdul Carter is a ready-made edge rusher who will have an immediate impact from his first snap. He had a 92.4 pass-rush grade and a true pass set pass rush grade of 93, with a pass rush win-rate over 22%. He will start on a team that includes Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns as defensive ends. Burns was acquired via trade last offseason and quietly had another good year. He started every game and had his highest tackle and tackles for a loss total. He added 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, eight batted passes, and 34 pressures. The starting duo of Burns and Carter could be one of the best duos in the NFL. Thibodeaux hasn't developed as the Giants had hoped when they drafted him with the fifth overall pick. FA pickup Chauncey Golston had more sacks and tackles for a loss in 2024 than in his first three seasons combined. The Giants could've found an up-and-coming defensive end to rotate in, and that could make them the best edge group in the league. The reason New York is first in these rankings is Dexter Lawrence. He is possibly the best defensive player in the NFL, but he plays one of the least appreciated positions in football, one-technique. His PFF grades are all over 80, and his overall grade is 89.9. In 12 games, he had nine sacks and eight tackles for a loss at a position that is about stopping the run. Lawrence has zero weaknesses, impacting the game with pressures, stopping the run, and his missed tackle percentage was only 4.3%. The team has little besides him at defensive tackle, but they drafted Darius Alexander to be the future DT next to Lawrence. You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or Bluesky @
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Eagles Predicted to Have Multiple Sleeper NFL MVP Candidates
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Coming off a Super Bowl-winning season, the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to be right back in championship contention. As a team, the Eagles are recognized as one of the strongest across the board. But do they have an individual on the roster who is a potential MVP candidate for next year? Recently, Bleacher Report laid out a handful of potential MVP candidates who have crept into "sleeper" territory, based on the odds being laid out by sportsbooks early on in the offseason. With five players listed, the Eagles have two on the board. To no surprise, the candidates are the quarterback Jalen Hurts and the running back Saquon Barkley, who happens to be the only non-passer on the list. "Jalen Hurts' fantastic supporting cast probably cost him MVP consideration in 2024, and that's a shame because the uniquely talented star was the NFL's fifth-highest-rated passer while producing a combined 32 touchdowns. The problem is only 18 of those came through the air, and the tush push doesn't win over too many voters," BR's Brad Gagnon writes. Jalen Hurts (1) of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass during Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Eagles defeated the Chiefs... Jalen Hurts (1) of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass during Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Eagles defeated the Chiefs 40-22 MoreHurts is no stranger to the MVP conversation. During the 2022 season, when the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl for the first time with Hurts under center, the quarterback spent many weeks favored to take the award home. Unfortunately, a late-season injury caused him to miss some time, and he lost out. The narrative surrounding Hurts isn't always super positive. Between the tush-push generating so much controversy and the star power surrounding Hurts offering him a ton of help, the Eagles' strong roster-building tends to play against Hurts, causing him to carry the "system QB" label often. Speaking of star power that helped push Hurts and the Eagles forward last season, Saquon Barkley could be in the running for MVP for the second season in a row. "If Barkley can take it another step and actually take down Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing-yardage record this year, the 28-year-old could become the first MVP at his position since Adrian Peterson in 2012," Gagnon wrote. It's hard to argue the idea that MVP is for quarterbacks to lose. Over the past 12 seasons, a quarterback has taken home the award. To no surprise, quarterbacks are currently favored to make it 13 in a row. Barkley shouldn't be doubted, though. His first season in the midnight green was remarkable. In 16 games, he rushed for over 2,000 yards, averaging a career-high 5.8 yards per carry. Barkley had 15 total touchdowns in the regular season and added five more in the playoffs. The Eagles always had a knack for building a strong offensive line, resulting in giving even an average running back a chance to shine more often than not. Once a proven star running back like Barkley got behind the line, records were broken. It would have to take a major step back in order for Barkley not to be on MVP watch throughout his second season in Philadelphia.
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Roster moves, players praise and more stories from 49ers for Cardinals fans to know
We are 13 weeks from Week 1's Sunday games and done with another week of the NFL offseason. That means we take some time to check in with the Arizona Cardinals' NFC West rivals — the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams. What is new with the 49ers? Below are a few stories from the last week for Cardinals fans to know. Former 49er is All-UFL Former 49ers DE Pita Taumoepenu didn't work out in San Francisco. But he had a great season in the UFL for the St. Louis Battlehawks. He made the All-UFL team after having 7.5 sacks. Roster moves with Bryce Huff trade The 49ers made a few roster moves this week. They announced the addition of pass rusher Bryce Huff in a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles for a conditional draft pick. They also placed receiver Trent Taylor on injured reserve, ending his season. They waived offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere and signed wide receiver Malik Knowles 49ers praised for backup QB The 49ers moved on from Josh Dobbs as their backup quarterback and signed Mac Jones this offseason. They were praised for the move. Rookie WR has 'it' factor The 49ers traded away Deebo Samuel and are awaiting the reurn of Brandon Aiyuk from a knee injury. Rookie wideout Jordan Watkins has earned early praise from his position coach. Starting center praised Starting center Jake Brendel was not highly ranked in offseason center rankings, but his position coach is a fan. His position coach said Brendel was among the best of the best in terms of internal grades. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe onSpotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
