Despite a dramatic roster overhaul this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers still boast some of the NFL’s most respected talent. Pro Football and Sports Network (PFSN) released its Top 100 NFL Players for 2025 list, and six 49ers made the cut.
However, one name was noticeably missing—Christian McCaffrey. The star running back ranked No. 5 on last year’s list but was left off this year after an injury-riddled 2024 season that saw him appear in just four games due to two stints on injured reserve. His extended absence played a significant role in the 49ers’ disappointing 6-11 finish.
The good news? McCaffrey is healthy heading into training camp and is expected to carry a full workload in 2025. Still, his injury history and age—he turned 29 in June—likely contributed to his omission from this year’s rankings.
Here are the six 49ers who did make the list, along with PFSN analyst Brandon Austin’s analysis of their 2024 performance and 2025 outlook.
No. 88 – QB Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy is coming off a down season compared to the single-season franchise record 4,280 passing yards he threw in 2023. The quarterback was missing several of his playmakers in 2024, and the 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
However, the 49ers believed enough in Purdy to reward him with a five-year, $265 million contract extension.
“Purdy played 15 games in 2024, finishing with 3,864 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions,” Austin wrote. “His 96.1 passer rating indicated a regression from his 2023 campaign, when he led the NFL with a 113.0 passer rating. However, he still ranked seventh in PFSN’s QB+ metric and showed growth as a rusher, with five scores on the ground.
“San Francisco’s offensive struggles weren’t solely on Purdy. Injuries decimated the roster, with Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and Trent Williams missing significant time. However, after getting a massive payday, the expectations have changed. Let’s see if he can return to form and get this team back into NFC contention.”
No. 69 – DE Nick Bosa
Nick Bosa continues to be a cornerstone of the 49ers’ defense, earning his fifth Pro Bowl selection despite failing to record double-digit sacks for the first time since 2020. Bosa finished last season with 52 tackles (15 for a loss), nine sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and a pass defensed.
“Bosa finished the year with 69 total pressures (10th among edge rushers), 32 defensive stops (17th), and an outstanding 17.2% pressure rate (fourth),” Austin wrote. “He also ranked fifth in pass rush win rate (22%).
“The 49ers’ defense struggled mightily in 2024. Robert Saleh’s return sparks some optimism, with hopes of Bosa reclaiming his status as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. His sack totals have declined since he registered 15.5 and 18.5 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. However, the advanced metrics show he’s still disruptive.”
No. 61 – CB Deommodore Lenoir
Deommodore Lenoir may be one of the 49ers’ most underrated players, but he earned recognition from PFSN as the sixth-ranked cornerback.
Austin noted that Lenoir has developed into one of the NFL’s most promising cornerbacks, finishing last season with 85 tackles (two for a loss), nine passes defensed, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.
“Opposing quarterbacks targeted Lenoir 89 times, 13th-most among all NFL corners,” Austin wrote. “He allowed a 65.2% reception rate and a solid 71.4 passer rating. He didn’t give up a single touchdown and made plays in the run game, ranking 14th in defensive stops (25).
“At just 25 years old, Lenoir is in a prime position to enter the next tier in 2025. With San Francisco moving on from Charvarius Ward, the uber-confident cornerback has emerged as the leader of the Niners’ secondary.”
No. 59 – OT Trent Williams
Trent Williams came in at No. 10 in PFSN’s list in 2024. The offensive lineman turns 37 on Saturday and missed the final seven games of last season due to injury. Still, he remains an elite blocker when healthy, ensuring his placement within this year’s ranking.
“Williams continued to excel in pass protection, allowing just one sack and three quarterback hits in 10 games,” Austin wrote. “His 95% pass block win rate ranked second among all offensive tackles. The 49ers’ ability to keep Brock Purdy upright is vital to the offense’s success, and as the anchor, that puts a lot of pressure on Williams.
“The 14-year veteran turns 37 ahead of the 2025 season, and his health becomes an increasing concern as he ages. Given the physical toll of the position, he could be in for a slight decline. Still, Williams is one of the most respected offensive linemen in the league.”
No. 40 – TE George Kittle
George Kittle recorded an impressive 1,106 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, his fourth season surpassing the 1,000-yard milestone. At 31, he continues to prove himself to be the NFL’s most well-rounded tight end.
“Kittle was a consistent downfield threat, posting an average depth of target of 8.9 yards (sixth among TEs) and a 70.6% contested catch rate (eighth),” Austin wrote. “His 2.1% drop reflects his reliability as a target for Brock Purdy. Kittle is also a threat with the ball in his hands, averaging 6.7 yards after the catch per reception (second).
“Kittle’s innate ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays after the catch makes him a central figure in the 49ers’ passing attack. When you factor in his acumen and willingness as a blocker, he’s the most complete tight end in football heading into 2025.”
This offseason, the 49ers rewarded Kittle with a four-year, $76.4 million contract extension.
No. 38 – Fred Warner
Fred Warner is the 49ers’ highest-ranked player. The star linebacker is the heart and soul of the team’s defense, and most believe him to be the best at his position. However, PFSN has two linebackers listed ahead of him—Bobby Wagner and Zack Baun.
Despite playing most of last season with an ankle fracture, Warner still finished with 131 tackles (five for a loss), two interceptions, a touchdown, seven passes defensed, a sack, and four forced fumbles, all while never missing a game. He has recorded at least 118 tackles in each of his seven NFL seasons.
This offseason, San Francisco rewarded Warner with a three-year, $63 million contract extension.
“His missed tackle rate was 11.9%, which ranked 47th, but his sideline-to-sideline range and football IQ continued to set the tone for San Francisco’s front seven,” Austin wrote.
“The 49ers’ defense as a whole took a massive step back last season. As the leader in the middle of the unit, Warner will be looked upon to help steer the ship, along with Robert Saleh, who returns as defensive coordinator.”
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