List of Ten Favorite 49er Players on 2008 Roster

by 16to80endzone on Jun 23, 2008 11:35 PM PDT

Here is a list of ten favorite 49er players currently on the roster, including those newly signed, even if I don't consider anybody a 49er until they put the uniform and helmet on, with their assigned number. Don't misunderstand me, guys.

I will put a brief explanation why I like them next to their names on the list.

My first name is Johnny, so..

Here's Johnny's list:

1. Frank Gore- He has been the heartbeat of the team, he is a very productive player both as a running back and receiver. He puts his heart and soul into the effort, and is a team player. Once ran for team record 1,695 yards, he can do it again, and tally even more yards. I estimate 1400 yards for him this year, but I hope he runs for more than that.

2. Patrick Willis- Whoa, he is a gift from God, he roams the field like a beast! He's a leader, even though he was in the rookie class last year. His stats says it all. He is here to stay!

3. Isaac Sopoaga- He is a Samoan, I am fascinated by his Polynesian victory dance, he is a very strong player. He can be an anchor of any defense.

4. Nate Clements- I like him as much for his play as I do for his multi-million dollar contract. He knows his game and he will make numerous plays. He solidifies the secondary by his mere presence on the field.

5. Isaac Bruce- Even if he hasn't played a down for the 49ers yet, his veteran presence and the fact he has totalled 14,000 receiving yards in his career makes for a very enticing prospect on the Niner roster. He is not only going to be contributing to the offense, he will be a productive player. We need his insight into the Martz offense.

6. Vernon Davis- Although I haven't seen much in productivity from Davis, he is extremely fast and he's strong. When given the chance, he will wow us.

7. Manny Lawson- He is a cat! He is a devoted 49er, always in the weight training room, he has the heart to attend every training camp, OTAs, he has so many upsides to his athletic ability and character, too. I can't help but like him a lot. I hope he stays injury free in 2008!

8. Alex Smith- I know, I know, what has he done for the 49ers so far, except for that one year under Norv Turner? He's a very intelligent player, he has put up with four offensive coordinators acclimating to their version of the schemes. Now he has Martz as offensive coordinator, I'm gonna like him a lot better, other than his house that he lives in, I'd like to camp in there and play pool with him.

9. Jeff Ulbrich- He is a true veteran and a great athlete, he is the type of football player I'd like on my roster, with a hard-nosed style of play. He trains well, with fighter's techniques. Mess with him, you'll be sorry.

10. Brian Jennings- Why did I pick a long snapper in my top ten list? For one, he is an elite long snapper, one of the best in the NFL, and probably the best one, and he can tackle too. If we have a long snapper like Brian Jennings, there's less room for error and fiasco plays, and he is a special teamer.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.

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Chad's List

1. Frank Gore
2. Manny Lawson
3. Patrick Willis
4. Joe Nedney
5. Vernon Davis
6. Nate Clements
7. Brandon Moore
8. Alex Smith
9. Walt Harris
10 Andy Lee

I’m not sure why these are my favorites but I guess you just can’t pick the people you fall in love with.

Tom will never be as cool as Joe

by wader251 on Jun 24, 2008 7:13 AM PDT 0 recs

Chad's List

Glad to see u put Frank Gore as no. 1 favorite on 49ers squad! I liked the part where you say we can’t just pick the people we fall in love with. Good one!

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 24, 2008 12:34 PM PDT up 0 recs

My List

1. Patrick Willis
2. Frank Gore
3. Nate Clements
4. Alex Smith
5. Vernon Davis
6. Delanie Walker
7. Manny Lawson
8. Isaac Sopoaga
9. Keith Lewis
10. Dashon Goldson

Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Smith to be super so soon.

by bayboy on Jun 24, 2008 8:39 AM PDT 0 recs

My List by bayboy

Your list was solid, what brings to curiosity is Dashon Goldson. Why is he one of your favorites? I like Delanie Walker, unfortunately I didn’t find room for him on the list. I actually have a top 20 but to do a fanpost it was more ideal to do a top 10. Imagine how hard it is for the head coach and assistants to whittle the roster down to 53. Can’t have them all.

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 24, 2008 12:38 PM PDT up 0 recs

Goldson

First of the name… can a Forty Niner have a more perfect name than Gold-Son…
Secondly.. .the boy can flat out play, i think if Roman is out longer he might get replaced. Goldson can hit you and run with the best of them.. Reminds me a Reed in his range and toughness, I think that having the coach on his helmet (thanks to the special D helmets) during practice and preseason games will help his development tremendously…

Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Smith to be super so soon.

by bayboy on Jun 24, 2008 3:48 PM PDT up 0 recs

I think...

I think that if Roman loses out on the starting safety job, Willis will more than likely be the one wearing the green sticker, even during the preseason. Willis will need that time to adjust to having someone in his ear. From what I read in one of his recent interviews, he’s going to be calling the plays, or at least more of them than he was last season with Derek Smith around. That should be enough for it to make sense he should wear the headset if Roman isn’t.

by sfgfan on Jun 24, 2008 4:03 PM PDT up 0 recs

thank you fooch for showing me the light... my list (updated)

1. Patrick Willis
2. Frank Gore
3. Nate Clements
4. Alex Smith
5. Vernon Davis
6. Arnaz Battle
7. Delanie Walker
8.Manny Lawson
9. Isaac Sopoaga
10. Keith Lewis

Joe and Steve were under the same system for years... don't expect Smith to be super so soon.

by bayboy on Jun 26, 2008 9:01 AM PDT up 0 recs

Mine

1. Patrick Willis (I am truly biased toward linebackers…)
2. Frank Gore (... and running backs)
3. Nate Clements (you gotta like “lock-down”)
4. Arnaz Battle (absolute professional)
5. Manny Lawson (see #1)
6. Joe Staley (leading the team in being Not-Kwame)
7. Alex Smith (so much potential I just keep rooting for him)
8. Vernon Davis (his attitude could be bothersome if he lets it get out of hand, but its good if he doesn’t)
9. Michael Robinson (I see him as Arnaz Battle-Lite)
10. DeShaun Foster (been a favorite of mine since I had him on the 49ers as a rookie in Madden)

by sfgfan on Jun 24, 2008 10:00 AM PDT 0 recs

Mine by sfgfan

I liked ur comments next to the names and the one which said leading the team in being Not-Kwame made me laugh. Good one. We need more Not-Kwames and let’s hope newly signed Sims is a Not-Kwame, in regards to false start penalties :)

Good top 10 list. Battle deserves being on your list, Robinson, interesting, and Foster, despite not having played a down yet for the 49ers, shows your expectations for him this year on the Niner’s roster.

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 24, 2008 12:41 PM PDT up 0 recs

No Justin Smith love?

1. Patrick Willis
2. Frank Gore
3. Justin Smith
4. Nate Clements
5. Vernon Davis
6. Manny Lawson
7. DeShaun Foster
8. Joe Staley
9. Delanie Walker
10. Drew Olson

by methodrampage on Jun 24, 2008 10:40 AM PDT 0 recs

No Justin Smith love? by Method

Justin Smith love!!! Sometimes being so deep in the feeling of love, we get a little lost. I couldn’t squeeze him in. Too many other players I really admire. I listed one player who has yet to play a down for the 49ers (Isaac Bruce) because I know he can produce right away. Justin Smith can, that is where I need a top 20 list, but it wasn’t ideal for this panpost.

You’re the 2nd person who listed DeShaun Foster. What is it about his aura?

May I asked what piqued your interest in listing Drew Olson who is a mere 4th stringer backup? The fact he is from UCLA Bruins, or..?

Nearly everyone listed Frank Gore as no. 1 or no. 2. Gore is really a no-brainer. Good for him.

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 24, 2008 12:46 PM PDT up 0 recs

Foster and Olson

I always liked Foster, dated back to his days at UCLA, just ones of those things.

I picked Olson because I kind of know him (my friends know him really well), played against him high school and in beirut. How could he not make my list? He’d be my number 1 if he actually makes the roster.

by methodrampage on Jun 24, 2008 1:10 PM PDT up 0 recs

Beirut? Boom-Boom Beirut?

With Patrick Willis in Beirut, it’d be Bamm-Bamm Beirut.

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 24, 2008 2:53 PM PDT up 0 recs

1. Patrick Willis
2. Frank Gore
3. Manny Lawson
4. Michael Lewis
5. Joe Staley
6. Nate Clements
7. Andy Lee
8. Kentwan Balmer
9. Chilo Rachal
10. Tarrell Brown

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Jun 24, 2008 10:54 AM PDT 0 recs

Top 10 list by Marcello

Making note of Michael Lewis, Andy Lee, Kentwan Balmer, Chilo Rachal and Tarrel Brown actually makes it a top 20 list. You’re right on the dot as almost everyone listed Patrick Willis as the no. 1 player in the top 10 list. Patrick is truly a beast on the field.

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 24, 2008 12:49 PM PDT up 0 recs

I’m also obviously a slut for the new guys, with 7 of my guys joining the team in the last year plus.

Neglectful father of David Quinowski

by marcello on Jun 24, 2008 5:09 PM PDT up 0 recs

1) Frank Gore – He’s been my favorite player since it became obvious that he was the anti-Barlow.
2) Arnaz Battle – He’s been the 49ers most productive and consistent receiver, and one of the most underappreciated players on the team. His professionalism, his dedication, his visible improvement, and his website all endear him to me greatly.
3) Patrick Willis – ‘Nuff said.
4) Shawntae Spencer – He quite probably has the best footwork on the team, and if not for a lack of top-end speed that gets him burned in mismatches and an injury bug that’s kept him out of too many games the last few years, he’d be one of the best cover men in the league. He also goes about his business quietly and professionally, and he also always seems to be struggling to be recognized as a quality #2 player when his on field play has always impressed.
5) Alex Smith – I still believe that he has all the tools to be a quality NFL QB this year. Of the players on my list, though, he’s probably in the most precarious position. If he has a bad season this year, Larry Grant is just waiting in the wings to take his place on my list.
6) Joe Staley – Hot damn this kid is good.
7) Manny Lawson – He’s one of the best cover LBs in the league. He’s a ridiculous athlete who had a steep learning curve at LB coming from the defensive line, and he was CLEARLY getting his head around the position before he went down early last season.
8) Nate Clements – He’s t-u-f-f tough. Oh yeah, and he’s good.
9) Adam Snyder – He’s always impressed me when he’s been in the games. He’s athletic and strong and, if I remember correctly, is a guy who actually came out the other side of a Mike Nolan doghouse, which is a prety impressive feat in its own right.
10) Andy Lee – I used to hate the guy because he sucked so bad. Then he got really, really good.

My Dave Righetti is better than your Dave Righetti.

by howtheyscored on Jun 24, 2008 1:06 PM PDT 0 recs

howtheyscored's Top 10 list

Glad you put Arnaz Battle in his respective place, it’s true he is underappreciated, the anti-Barlow, ha!

Impressive that you listed Shawntae Spencer. Best footwork? Let’s see that at play.

Alex Smith, boy it’s been a rollercoaster ride since he was drafted at no. 1 several years ago. For the 49er’s sake, I hope Smith pans out under the Martz offense. Or we’d have to come up with an anti-Smith. It’s just his job to lose, really. I admire Smith who is a really intelligent fella.

Andy Lee who sucked so bad, took back what was sucked back out of the duct. Right?

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 24, 2008 1:24 PM PDT 0 recs

top 10

1. Arnaz Battle – His professionalism is amazing. He’s the guy who is never given a chance and yt he sticks around year after year.
2. Frank Gore – Just a beast. When the 49ers took him in the third round I remember a friend asking me about it and I told him I really liked the pick. If his receiving game keeps up, he passes Roger Craig as the best 49er running back in my opinion.
3. Patrick Willis – Does anything really need to be said about Bamm-Bamm?
4. Vernon Davis – The talent is there and he took a step towards realizing it last year. More importantly, he knows how talented he is.
5. Shawntae Spencer – So much talent and yet so injury prone. I think we’ve all come to the realization that he is never going to be a #1 corner. Fortunately, he’s in a perfect system as the #3.
6. Manny Lawson – The rightful heir to Julian Peterson as our freakish outside linebacker.
7. Nate Clements – Even with all the criticism that came with his contract, Lock-Down had a very solid year in spite of what others would have you think.
8. Larry Grant – When teams get to the Super Bowl, there is always the puff piece about the 7th round draft pick that has made a name for himself. I think Grant could be that guy.
9. Alex Smith – I see so much talent and I really think he’s going to turn the corner. Gotta love irrational fandom.
10. Andy Lee – No list is complete without the Pro Bowl punter!

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by Fooch on Jun 24, 2008 1:55 PM PDT 0 recs

Fooch's Top 10

You’re hooked on Larry Grant..That’s Fooch’s boy! More power to Grant..

Battle is worthy of mention, I agree, due to his professionalism.

Bamm-Bamm is going to ram a lot more heads this year. This year the rookies are going to have to carry his helmet and gear.

Alex “Turn the Corner” Smith, need I say more?

Frank Gore, yes he’s a no.1 or no. 2 on all of our Top 10’s. He’ll pass Roger Craig as the all time running back, as long he stays injury free, and if the Martz offense is a good fit for him.

I like Andy Lee as much I do Brian Jennings. What a tandem. Having good field position is like being at the 10 yarder at our own red zone, if that makes any sense. The farther we push the opposing offense, the closer we get to the 49er’s red zone, if we cause turnovers. That’s where the secondary and special teams come in!

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 24, 2008 2:20 PM PDT 0 recs

replying to the original comment

Remember it’s better to click the reply button on a given comment. Keeps the thread a little cleaner.

And everyone definitely needs a special teamer on their top10.

Niners Nation - The premier 49ers blog on the Internet!

by Fooch on Jun 24, 2008 2:26 PM PDT up 0 recs

My List

1) Patrick Willis
2) Frank Gore
3) Delanie Walker
4) “Nasty” Nate Clements
5) Donald Strickland
6) Andy Lee
7) Manny Lawson
8) Justin Smith
9) Vernon Davis
10) Shaun Hill

MURS for President!!!!!!!

by jtoj on Jun 24, 2008 4:22 PM PDT 0 recs

My List by jtoj

It’s the first time I’ve seen Strickland mentioned in a Top Ten so far in this fanpost. Congrats for being the first to bring him up.

I don’t think anybody mentioned Shaun Hill either. Interesting.

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 24, 2008 11:00 PM PDT up 0 recs

My List:

1) Patrick Willis
2) Nate Clements
3) Frank Gore
4) Moran Norris
5) Delanie Walker
6) Jason Hill
7) Thomas Clayton
8) Joe Staley
9) Manny Lawson
10) Alex Smith

by StrictlyFootball on Jun 24, 2008 5:23 PM PDT 0 recs

I have been waitin' (re: My List by StrictlyFootball)

I have been waiting for someone to add Jason Hill to their Top 10 list! It was about time.

Clayton, click-clickety. I myself thought he was a good prospect until they put him in the back burner.

What’s Moran Norris to you?

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 24, 2008 11:03 PM PDT up 0 recs

Fana Chime's List

1. Patrick Willis
2. Arnaz Battle
3. Michael Robinson
4. Frank Gore
5. Manny Lawson
6. Isaac Sopoaga
7. Nate Clements
8. Vernon Davis
9. Michael Lewis
10. Tarrell Brown

Alu mohe!

by Fana Chimes on Jun 24, 2008 5:24 PM PDT 0 recs

Fana Chime's List

Your list closely resembled a couple of other Top 10 lists. Putting Battle at no. 2 must mean you are regarding his high state of work ethics. He works hard to be where he is at.

Hey you mentioned Sopoaga! He’s my man and da kine!

A couple other Top 10 lists included Tarell Brown. What is it about him that makes the top ten?

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 24, 2008 11:07 PM PDT up 0 recs

no love for Keith Lewis?

1. Patrick Willis
2. Frank Gore
3. Nate Clements
4. Vernon Davis
5. Manny Lawson
6. Moran Norris
7. Arnaz Battle
8. Keith Lewis
9. Joe Nedney
10. Andy Lee

when will the Kenny Thomas Reign of Terror end?!!??

by diehardkingsfan5 on Jun 24, 2008 5:47 PM PDT 0 recs

No Love for Keith Lewis

Keith Lewis is a forgotten man, but he is still in the upper 20 best 49er players. I always want him on our roster. He is a very contributing player. I guess all of us couldn’t squeeze him and a few insignificant others.

What I am trying to prove with this Top 10 list fanpost is to show we have a very solid roster all-around and because other fans choose different players, shows that the 49ers is the team to beat.

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 24, 2008 11:12 PM PDT up 0 recs

Finally

Finally someone else has the best onside kicker in the league on their list.

Tom will never be as cool as Joe

by wader251 on Jun 25, 2008 9:36 AM PDT up 0 recs

mine is

1. arnaz battle.
2. vernon davis
3. patrick willis
4.manny lawson
5.frank gore
6. michael robinson
7. nate clemons
8. larry grant
9. issac sopoaga
10. robert jordan(iono if he was cut or nething but he used to be my neighbor, really good guy)

by GSwarrior on Jun 24, 2008 11:54 PM PDT 0 recs

GSwarrior's list

First time I’ve seen Robert Jordan on a Top Ten. If he turns out to be good, we can always go back to this list in the archives.

First time I’ve seen Frank Gore dropped to fifth in the Top 10. And…Arnaz Battle first!!

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 25, 2008 8:18 AM PDT up 0 recs

hmmm

No one else besides me likes the local product, Donny Strickland?
Damn.
I will always remember, even though it wasn’t worth much, saving the game for us in arizona when Kurt lobbed one to BJ and Strickland swiped it out of his hands to force a game-tying field goal.

MURS for President!!!!!!!

by jtoj on Jun 25, 2008 12:59 AM PDT 0 recs

It wouldn't suprise me if he gets cut

by methodrampage on Jun 25, 2008 10:07 AM PDT up 0 recs

Surprises

Why should we be surprised in this hard, cold, cuthroat business where we only want a “W,” which stands for a win? Surprised shouldn’t even be in the vocabulary.

Fortunately there are 31 other NFL teams to work out for.

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 25, 2008 10:38 AM PDT up 0 recs

My Top Ten List

1. Patrick “Wha’ Chu Talkin’ Bout” Willis (Duh!)
2. Frank Gore (Total package, on and off the field….no doubt the biggest weapon we have on offense, the heart of the team)
3. Nate “Lock-down” Clements ( He forces the opposition to throw to the other reciever, and will punish you when it does come his way….hence all the huge forced fumbles he had last year)
4. Vernon Davis (This is his year to shine…I believe he will be Martz #2 option behind Gore. With his skill-set he will keep defenses guessing. He has the ability to take it to the house everytime he touches the ball.)
5. Manny Lawson (Can’t wait to see what this cat can do with a full season without injuries.)
6. Alex Smith ( So smart, so atheletic, and quick, and with a hell of a gun. In my opinion, he will be the starter this year, and hopefully can turn this ship around, like I believe he can…ex. Eli Manning did it, and I think our D can be just as good. That is, if our OLB’s show up this year.)
7. Issac Sopoaga ( He can push the pocket with the best of ‘em, my favorite D-lineman for sure!)
8. Joe Staley ( Hell of a rookie year!! Put up against some of the best ends in the league, without too many penalties. Sky’s the limit for this leader of O-lineman.)
9. Andy Lee (Damn this guy can kick!! Not sure we would have even had a chance without Andy.)
10. Joe Nedney (I love the random opening kickoff onside kicks….it seems to always work with this guy. )

by #1TE.BadCaseofV.D. on Jun 25, 2008 4:27 PM PDT 0 recs

My Top Ten List by #1 TE. Bad CaseofV.D.

Good comments next to the player’s names. I think Frank Gore is the most popular player whether he was ranked #1, #2, or #5, he is the music of the 49ers. I agreed with all of your picks, I note that you chose two kickers..Both are the kickers I want on my team always.

Let’s all of them take it to the house!

"We Have a God who delights in impossibilities."

by 16to80endzone on Jun 25, 2008 11:23 PM PDT up 0 recs

1. Frank “The Tank” Gore
2. P-Willie
3. V.D.
4. Manny Lawson
5. Delanie Walker
6. Justin Smith
7. Dashon Goldson
8. Tarell Brown
9. Thomas Clayton
10. Jason Hill

Honorable mention: Joe Nedney & Andy Lee. (I just can’t bring myself to put a kicker in my top 10, but that being said, the current Niners kickers are both my all-time favorites are their positions)

"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK

by Josh from Hollywood on Jun 26, 2008 12:37 AM PDT 0 recs

My list

1) Patrick Willis – Man beast. Enough said.
2) Nate Clements – Ridiculously good investment. Will continue to pay off for 3-4 more years.
3) Joe Staley – I have an obsession with O-Line, and this kid’s the real deal
4) Frank Gore – Not that I don’t like him, but the first two are amazing and I’m biased for #3
5) Vernon Davis – He’s a freak of nature. Hopefully he’ll put it together this year – his potential is tantalizing.
6) Isaac Bruce – Old man river still has some hands. Gotta love the vets.
7) Chilo Rachal – He couldn’t not make this list. USC homer, former O-Lineman…automatic inclusion
8) Andy Lee – Guy saved our butts so many times this past season.
9) Brian Jennings – Long snapping is huge. Ask teams that have a horrible long snapper.
10) Billy Bajema – So underrated as a bookend. Plus he’s got a cool last name, and you have to root for the 7th round stories.

Incomplete: Justin Smith, Dontarrious Thomas – these guys could skyrocket up the list – and fast.

by noava22 on Jun 26, 2008 4:54 AM PDT 0 recs

my list

1. Patrick Willis (no explanation necessary)
2. Frank Gore (just keeps grinding)
3. Joe Staley (Best O-lineman we’ve had in a while)
4. Nate Clements (flat out playmaker on D)
5. Manny Lawson (crazy potential)
6. Justin Smith (seems to have a great attitude, hopefully can ease the loss of former #1 fave B.Y.)
7. JT O’Sullivan (UC Davis!)
8. Arnaz Battle (solid professional, good hands)
9. Keith Lewis (who doesnt like a strong hitting safety?)
10. Moran Norris (team strongman unless Allen returns)

by sam23 on Jun 28, 2008 4:21 PM PDT 0 recs