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The 49ers will be among the favorites for this year's Super Bowl and they will need players like Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel to be at their best again. But they won't be the only players that opposition teams have to worry about. Here is a look at some of the most important footballers on San Francisco's roster.
San Francisco 49ers' most important players in 2024
#5 - Deebo Samuel
Much has been made of Christian McCaffrey's versatility as a running back but not as much has been spoken about Deebo Samuel's similar impact as a wide receiver. He gets above 200 rushing yards per season on average and can be used on various plays, whether as the target or a decoy.
Keeping him healthy and happy could be Kyle Shanahan's first concern this upcoming season, especially if Brandon Aiyuk decides not to return.
#4 - Fred Warner
For all the riches of their offense, it is defense that wins championships. Fred Warner has been Mr. Consistent and made the Pro Bowls in the last two seasons. For the 49ers to finally get over the hump and win a Super Bowl this century, they will need the likes of him to be firing on all cylinders. One only needs to look at the Chiefs' victory last season to see how having a defense is important.
Fred Warner has consistently had 10 or more pass deflections in the last two seasons, and he will be expected to continue that this year.
#3 - Nick Bosa
On defense, nobody is a bigger X-factor than Nick Bosa. The NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2022 has been a consistently great performer. His four Pro Bowls in five years are a testament to that.
If he keeps getting the sacks and helping out the offense, the 49ers will be in a position to compete. He has 44.5 sacks in the last three seasons and has shown no signs of slowing down.
#2 - Brock Purdy
There is no team that can win a championship with a good quarterback. Brock Purdy has been called a system quarterback by many observers, but he has been so good that the 49ers have made it to the NFC Championships twice and the Super Bowl once in his two seasons. Clearly, what he is doing in San Francisco is working.
He will need to ensure that he can keep up the same levels going into this season as well. Expectations on him are now higher. With Brandon Aiyuk's continued saga, he might be losing a big weapon on offense. It will be up to him to step up and prove the doubters wrong. He remains a critical part of the 49ers' aspirations for a championship.
#1 - Christian McCaffrey
The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year is the most important player on the San Francisco 49ers' roster. There is a reason Madden is making him the face this year. He is the one-man offensive Swiss Army knife. He can play in any formation and can play multiple roles.
He is as good at carrying the ball as he is receiving. He is a touchdown machine and can cause headaches for opposing defenses. It is his presence that allows San Francisco to run such a wide variety of plays, knowing that Christian McCaffrey will be able to do a good job in whichever position he is put in.
He might see his workload reduced this year to better preserve him for important moments, but he remains the vital piece of the 49ers jigsaw. He is the one who makes the whole offensive system click.
