The Write Zone

Pete Prisco has released his Top 100 players for the 2026 season, and as I was reading football articles on the CBS Sports website, I stumbled across the rankings, and figured I’d see where some 49ers players ranked. Most of what I came across made me pretty happy, but there was one ranking that made me slightly frustrated. But let’s get to that in a minute, and hit each player in order they are in.

The 49ers had no player land in the top 10, and I do agree with the rankings Prisco put in place there, with Myles Garrett, Josh Allen, Puka Nacua, and other amazing players taking those spots.

First 49er we see on the list is Fred Warner. I 100 percent agree that he is number 16 in all of the NFL, and I also agree he shouldn’t be ranked any higher. 16 is the perfect spot for him. Last year he ranked 19th, but even though he hurt his ankle and was out for 14 games of the season, he still climbed the power rankings.

Taking up Warner’s old spot is Christian McCaffery, who climbed the rankings like crazy. Going from 41th to 19th just shows how much he carried the team this year, rightfully earning that Comeback Player of the Year award. I also like where he is ranked, a well done choice by Prisco.

Coming in at spot 25 we have Trent Williams. This proves that his age certainly hasn’t affected his ability to protect Brock Purdy, and he climbed 9 spots from last year. I am very glad his contract worked out, and that he will still be the amazing OT he is on Levi’s turf next year.

The next player is George Kittle, and he is also out first player that fell in the rankings. Last year he occupied spot 25, where Williams is now, but has taken a 24 spot fall to place 49. Do I agree with this? Yes and no. He was struggling with some injuries last year, and is going to be coming off a torn Achilles into this season. But I also do believe he is an incredible player, and one of the best TEs in the NFL still. I think this ranking is accurate, based off of last year, even if it isn’t what 49ers fans wish to see.

This next one is the one that makes me frustrated. Brock Purdy comes in at 75th. That’s behind Jayden Daniels, Caleb Williams, Sam Darnold, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Herbert, Jordan Love, Jared Goff and most of the other NFL QBs. I think some of the QB spots are deserved, and yes he was hurt for a lot for the 2025 season, but it still makes me think he could’ve been ranked a little higher.

Finally, coming in at number 94, we have Nick Bosa. He was ranked 35th last year, and he took a gigantic fall. I believe this is probably because of his torn ACL in Game 3 of the 2025 season, and I think that because we barely saw him play, this is fair. Not ideal, but fair. But just you wait until he’s back on the field.

So, that’s the rankings. Some I’m happy with, others not so much. But the only thing that can impact next year’s rankings is how well these 49ers players perform.

See you at the next snap,

Tatum