The San Francisco 49ers still have one of the most talented core groups in the NFL heading into the 2026 season. And a new top-100 player list from CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco reinforces that reputation, though it highlights a distinct challenge for the franchise.
The 49ers have six players featured in Prisco’s breakdown, tying them for the second-highest total in the NFL. Only the Philadelphia Eagles have more, with eight, while the 49ers have the same number of top-100 players as the Denver Broncos and defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
This high concentration of high-end talent is a testament to John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan’s ability to consistently acquire elite, blue-chip anchors. However, it should be noted three of the six 49ers players listed are coming off of major injuries, which also influenced their rank heading into 2026.
Here is where all six of the 49ers players landed on Prisco’s list:
- No. 16: Fred Warner
- No. 19: Christian McCaffrey
- No. 25: Trent Williams
- No. 49: George Kittle
- No. 75: Brock Purdy
- No. 94: Nick Bosa
The interesting element to this list is that despite the quantity of talent, the 49ers missed out on the top 10 entirely. Other stars like Mike Evans didn’t make the list, either, likely because of his age.
The 49ers’ biggest stars are all over the place in terms of positional rank.
McCaffrey is the No. 2-ranked running back on the list. He sits just behind Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson (No. 17) and ahead of Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs (No. 21). Warner is the No. 1-ranked off-ball linebacker in the entire league, taking the top spot at his position ahead of guys like Detroit Lions’ Jack Campbell. Williams is the No. 3-ranked offensive tackle on the list. He sits just behind Detroit’s Penei Sewell (No. 6) and Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirfs (No. 22), but ahead of Denver’s Garett Bolles (No. 26).
Purdy, meanwhile, is the No. 12-ranked quarterback on the list. He sits behind Washington Commanders’ Jayden Daniels (No. 69) and ahead of Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Baker Mayfield (No. 80).
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers tie for second-most players in top-100 list, led by Fred Warner
