The release of the most recent iteration of the NFL's top 100 players has started, as NFL Network streamed the reveal of the top 41-100 players in the NFL Saturday.
For the 49ers, there were multiple surprises.
The first was Kyle Juszczyk, who slotted in at No. 97 on the list, despite playing the fullback position.
Then came the two more surprising slots in 49ers tight end George Kittle and left tackle Trent Williams, who came in at No. 50 and No. 42, respectfully.
The Kittle one is especially shocking, given that Kittle was ranked No. 7 last year. Granted, the superstar tight end was injured for half of last season, but to move down that much after back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 2018 and 2019 and an All-Pro nod in the latter season is a little unexpected.
No. 50-41 on the #NFLTop100, as voted by players!
📺: #NFLTop100 on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/915mX8RhU9
— NFL (@NFL) August 16, 2021
Here's what NFL.com had to say about Kittle's drop of 43 spots.
"Blame nagging lower body injuries for Kittle's descension out of the Top 10. Still, the fiery 49ers tight end found his way into the Top 50 despite playing in only eight games. Kittle again proved he's the NFL's best blocker at his position while recording a respectable 48 receptions (63 targets) for 634 yards and two TDs before landing on season-ending IR. His journey back to the top of "TE Mountain" should be fun to watch."
After a dispute with Washington, where he began his career, Williams sat out the 2019 NFL season, but bounced back after the trade to San Francisco to gain yet another Pro Bowl nod with stellar play at the blindside position.
In NFL.com's top 100, Williams comes in at No. 42 after grading as PFF's highest run blocking tackle.
Here's what NFL.com had to say about Williams at 42:
"Returning from a year-long hiatus, Williams looked rejuvenated in 2020, and the 49ers handily rewarded the imposing left tackle by making him the highest-paid OL in NFL history. The performance that preceded the payday was flat-out dominant: per PFF, Williams played 957 snaps and allowed 19 pressures while grading out as the league's best run-blocking tackle. Needless to say, the eight-time Pro Bowler is on another level, and the Niners offense stands to keep benefitting immensely from his presence."
Do you think that these ratings are correct? Or are they underselling both 49er players? Let us know.