Patrick Willis (No. 12) and Justin Smith (No.10) headline 10 San Francisco 49ers' players that graced the Scouts, Inc. Top 200 player rankings in 2012. Of the 10, six of the players came from the defensive side of the ball, four were on offense, and one on special teams.
Smith made the jump from No. 25 in 2011 all the way to cracking the top ten in 2012. Other 49ers who made the rankings were Aldon Smith (51st), Vernon Davis, (65th, up from 111th), NaVorro Bowman (80th), Mike Iupati (103rd), Carlos Rogers (175th), Joe Staley (176th), Andy Lee (183rd), and DaShon Goldson (184th). Notably absent from the list was running back Frank Gore, who was 114th last season. Making the biggest leap on the list for the 49ers was Aldon Smith, who went from unranked to No. 51.
The NFC West has three of the top 12 players, which is significant because the NFC has only eight divisions. It all amounts to more proof that the 49ers have one of the most talented teams in the league. For more on the 49ers, visit Niners Nation.
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