"Kittle earned his second All-Pro honor in 2023 after producing 65 receptions for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns, continuing his historic pass-catching pace within the position," wrote Michael Baca of NFL Media. "Kittle's 6,274 career receiving yards is second to only Travis Kelce among TEs since 2017, and his current total is third-most all time through a player's first seven seasons (behind Kelce, Jimmy Graham), according to NFL Research.
"San Francisco's affable yet tenacious tight end is more than just a pass catcher, though, providing sufficient run and pass blocking that fits perfectly for the 49ers' efficient offense. Kittle's energy can be felt on the field and from the sidelines, too, making him an irreplaceable figure on one of the league's perennial contenders."
Kittle's No. 14 ranking represents a five-spot rise from last year's list. Warner, widely viewed as the best linebacker in the NFL, jumped four spots from last year.
"Warner enjoyed his most impactful season in 2023, setting career highs in interceptions (four), passes defensed (11) and forced fumbles (four), while producing 132 tackles," wrote Baca. "He's the highest-ranked off-ball linebacker in this year's Top 100 and earns his highest ranking among five straight appearances. It's no coincidence San Francisco's defense has been a perennial powerhouse during that span, having won two NFC championships since 2019. Warner's play-busting presence looms for ball carriers and would-be pass catchers across the middle third of the field.
"His dominant prime-time performance against the Cowboys in Week 5 (eight tackles, 1.0 sack, INT, FF) perfectly displayed the consequences offenses face against the three-time All-Pro."
The NFL Top 100 is unique because it is voted on by the players, making it a tremendous honor to be included. The ranking is based on player performance during the previous year and anticipated performance in the upcoming season. This year's edition marks the league's 14th.
The following seven 49ers players have now been revealed in this year's edition of the NFL Top 100 countdown:
- No. 11: LB Fred Warner
- No. 14: TE George Kittle
- No. 28: QB Brock Purdy
- No. 27: DE Nick Bosa
- No. 30: WR Deebo Samuel
- No. 66: WR Brandon Aiyuk
- No. 76: LB Dre Greenlaw