PFF ranks two 49ers position groups among NFL’s ‘strongest’ originally appeared in NBC Sports Bay Area
The star-studded 49ers continue to receive hype months ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
In addition to being the bet favorite to win Super Bowl LIXaccording to Fanatics, San Francisco has received high praise from Pro Football Focus.
On Monday, PFF’s John Kosko listed the strongest and weakest position groups in the entire NFL, and the 49ers were considered the strongest at two of them: tight end and linebacker.
“The New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens have arguments for the strongest linebacker group, but Fred Warner’s star power and Dre Greenlaw’s consistency push the 49ers ahead,” Kosko wrote. “Warner has emerged as the best linebacker in the NFL in recent years, as his 90.2 overall grade in 2023 attests. Greenlaw complements Warner with strong defensive and coverage skills.
“The 49ers linebacker unit boasts an 89.7 overall grade over the last two years, showing the consistency of the two players roaming the middle of the field… Weakest: Houston Texans”
Warner is one of the best defenders in the NFL, and Greenlaw — despite dealing with a torn left Achilles tendon — is right behind him.
The two combined for a total of 1,232 tackles in their 11 seasons combined. Together, Warner and Greenlaw led a San Francisco defense that finished the 2023 regular season ranked third in points allowed (17.5) and rushing yards per game (89.7).
That’s still missing much desired Vince Lombardi TrophyThe 49ers defense will likely continue to be one of the best for years to come as long as Warner and Greenlaw are in uniform.
Tight on the wings, George Kittle carries the load, according to PFF.
“Tight rooms are usually dominated by one player,” Kosko added. “We saw the Buffalo Bills draft Dalton Kincaid in 2023, adding him to a group that already had a productive tight end in Dawson Knox. What followed was a significant decrease in Knox’s targets as Kincaid took over the top spot.
“The 49ers earn the title of ‘toughest’ because George Kittle is arguably the best tight end in the NFL right now. Travis Kelce is almost 35 years old and still productive, but we’ve seen a decline in his game in 2023. Kittle’s 87.7 grade last year was the top in the NFL as he excelled as a receiver and run blocker. Although Kittle turns 31 in 2024, he is still playing at an extremely high level… Weakest: Denver Broncos”
Kittle is coming off another phenomenal campaign in which he finished with 65 receptions for 1,020 yards and six touchdowns, proving to be one of the by quarterback Brock Purdy favorite targets.
Over his seven-year NFL career, Kittle totaled 460 receptions for 6,274 yards and 37 touchdowns and showed no signs of slowing down.
Kittle helped lead San Francisco to second place in yards per game (398.4) for the 2023 season, taking home his fifth AP All-Pro honor and second NFL Pro-Bowl selection.
The 49ers boast one of — if not the most — most decorated rosters in football. Awarding high honors on both sides of the ball, PFF certainly recognizes San Francisco’s talent.
