Pete Prisco has 5 49ers on his best 100 NFL players of 2020 list

How many San Francisco 49ers players would make your list of best 100 NFL players going into the 2020 season?

For most of us the answer is 90, but CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco had a lot less than that in his top 100 rankings.

In total, five 49ers made Prisco’s list, and we shouldn’t be surprised at which Niner he had ranked the highest:

No. 18 - George Kittle: “He emerged as a star last season, catching 85 passes for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns. His run blocking is a big reason why the 49ers had such an impressive rushing game.”

No. 24 - Nick Bosa: “He had nine sacks as a rookie, but really showed up in the 49ers postseason run, getting four sacks in three games. He was dominant in the Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs. If he plays like that this season, this will be way too low for him in 2021.”

No. 57 - Richard Sherman: “When will he slow down? He continues to be a top-level corner at the age of 32 and was a big reason why the 49ers got to the Super Bowl.”

No. 90 - Arik Armstead: “He didn’t always get the due he deserved on a good line last year, but he was outstanding in 2019. He has always been good as a run player, but amped it up in a big way as a pass rusher last season.”

No. 93 - Jimmie Ward: “This former corner has developed into a nice ball-hawking safety. His range is a big part of the 49ers defense and they were wise to keep him, rather than let him hit the market this year.”

Prisco had new left tackle Trent Williams as part of the players who just missed the cut.

Even though PFF graded Ward as the 54th best player in the NFL last season at 84.2, I was a bit surprised to see him on Prisco’s list. San Francisco’s stars are well known nationally, but some of the underrated players don’t get their time in the spotlight.

There are three current Niners I can see making Prisco’s list next year: linebacker Fred Warner, receiver Deebo Samuel and newly drafted defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw.

Some of the other notables on his list includes:

No. 1 - Patrick Mahomes, No 2. - Aaron Donald, No. 3 - Russell Wilson, No. 8 - Chandler Jones, No. 13 Future Niner Joey Bosa, No. 19 - Tom Brady, No. 56 - former Niner DeForest Buckner.

What do you think of Prisco’s rankings? Should any 49er on his list be higher or lower? Or is there a Niner that should have made the list?