Five 49ers That are Likely to be Named to Their First Pro Bowl
One of the biggest surprises with the San Francisco 49ers last season was the emergence of Talanoa Hufanga.
Entering the first year as a starter, the expectations were that it would be tough sledding early on. But Hufanga hit the ground running and didn't stop for the most part. That much was clear when he made his first All-Pro and Pro Bowl. Predicting who can be an All-Pro is extremely difficult, but for a Pro Bowl it is a lot more lenient. There is surely going to be players on the 49ers who, like Hufanga, will make their first Pro Bowl.
Here are the five 49ers who are likely to be named to their first Pro Bowl.
Brandon Aiyuk
The easiest player to place on this list is by far Brandon Aiyuk. After the year he had last season, he has officially established himself as a dangerous and vastly ascending wide receiver. Being in a contract year should only increase how dangerous he is and make it the top receiver on the 49ers that rivals George Kittle.
What makes it tough for Aiyuk to make it is the competition at the position in the NFC. Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, and CeeDee Lamb were All-Pro wide receivers last year, so I doubt there is much of a drop off for them that doesn't earn them another Pro Bowl honor. But after those three, I think Aiyuk will be able to closely place himself next to them if he does take that next step that I believe he will take.
Charvarius Ward
A bit of an unsung hero for the 49ers last year was Charvarius Ward. He held down the top cornerback spot on the defense tremendously well. That hasn't been seen since Jason Verrett in 2020. The arrow for Ward is pointing upward. Playing on an elite defense alone helps with getting him recognized, especially if he can get his stats up a bit.
But I also think having Steve Wilks, who has a background with defensive backs, as defensive coordinator can raise the ceiling of Ward. This is a large part why I think Ward can make a serious push toward being named to his first Pro Bowl. Wilks potentially calling more man-to-man coverage can make Ward stand out more and give him overall greater opportunities to flourish.
Aaron Banks
From being linked toward being a "bust" by some, to being an adequate starter on the offensive line, Aaron Banks surprised many last season with how soundly he performed from start to finish. It is amazing what getting back to play his original position and staying healthy can do. Banks looked more comfortable and confident than he did his rookie season.
I expect 2023 to be the year he massively builds upon it and can he even make the case to a Pro Bowl season. Center Jake Brendel managed to do so last year, which was astonishing. Then again, he's never had to reacclimate himself to his original position. I think comfort really his a critical factor here with Banks. He's already displayed tough run blocking and steadfast pass blocking. The recognition should hopefully start to come with a Pro Bowl consideration.
Dre Greenlaw
There was arguably a robbery last year in naming the All-Pro linebackers. Dre Greenlaw missed the cut for the second team by TWO votes. He was so, so close. I think what hurt him was the sloppy and undisciplined play he had in the first quarter of the season with penalties. Eventually he cut them out and started to flourish on a massive scale. He should have that squared away going forward. Starting this upcoming season, there should not be any breakdown in his form and a heavy streak of penalties.
It wasn't that he was getting flagged a ton, but it was the drive killing ones like personal fouls that were unacceptable. With that eliminated, all the greatness that he displays gets appreciated more. Greenlaw is great in pass and against the run. He does so all while flying around like a speeding bullet. That type of side-to-side and downhill excellence is why he should be a hot name for the Pro Bowl.
Brock Purdy
The quarterbacks in the NFC are severely lacking. It starts with Jalen Hurts who is the only elite quarterback in the conference, then there is a massive gap before you get to the next quarterback. A pathway is wide open for Brock Purdy to get to a Pro Bowl. All that hinges on that is his health and whether or not he can the same, if not better than he was last season.
Purdy is going to be under a microscope next season for those reasons, but also because he is leading one of several Super Bowl contending teams. Being able to bounce back from injury and still look like a solid quarterback should give him the green light toward being named to his first Pro Bowl. Again, it all hinges on his health coming off a ruptured UCL in his throwing elbow and if he can replicate or ideally build upon what he did last year.
