As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the San Francisco 49ers are preparing for another push toward their elusive sixth championship. Which players will be pivotal in the upcoming campaign? Al Sacco of the 49ers Webzone "No Huddle Podcast" has ranked his top five picks for the most crucial players this season.
Here's Sacco's ranking, starting from the fifth most important player and moving up to the top.
5: LB Fred Warner
Fred Warner has been indispensable to the team as the undisputed heart and soul of the 49ers defense. Last season, the star linebacker recorded 132 tackles, including six for a loss, five quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks, 11 passes defensed, four interceptions, and four forced fumbles in 17 starts, according to Pro Football Reference.
Sacco anticipates a standout performance from Warner in 2024.
4: RB Christian McCaffrey
It might surprise some to see the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year ranked so low on Sacco's list, but this highlights the depth of talent on the 49ers roster heading into the season.
Christian McCaffrey finished last season with an impressive 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 total touchdowns, leading the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards. Although Sacco acknowledges McCaffrey's perfect fit in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, he has concerns about the running back's workload moving forward.
3: LT Trent Williams
At 36, Trent Williams remains one of the best offensive linemen in football and is a surefire first-ballot Hall of Famer when he eventually retires. Sacco notes that the 49ers offense struggled without Williams in the lineup last season.
Williams is the highest-graded tackle in Pro Football Focus history and did not allow a single sack in his 561 pass-blocking snaps last season (including the playoffs).
2: DE Nick Bosa
Nick Bosa continues to be a formidable challenge for opposing offenses. Last season, he recorded 53 tackles, including 16 for a loss, 35 quarterback hits, 10.5 sacks, four passes defensed, and two forced fumbles while starting every game.
Sacco views Bosa as a core piece for the 49ers' defense for the foreseeable future.
1: QB Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy set a franchise record last season by throwing for 4,280 passing yards. He added 31 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 16 starts. The 24-year-old quarterback is expected to become the 49ers' highest-paid player and one of the highest-paid players in the NFL when eligible for a contract extension next year.
Sacco predicts that Purdy's new salary could exceed $60 million annually, which might limit roster flexibility. However, if Purdy continues to play consistently and progress, the 49ers should continue to see success.
Watch Sacco break down his list in the video below:
