Getty The Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts tries to run past Dre Greenlaw of the San Francisco 49ers.
Fans of the San Francisco 49ers have gotten used to George Kittle, Trent Williams and Nick Bosa representing their team in the Pro Bowl annually. Last year, though, saw a newcomer in safety Talanoa Hufanga.
As stacked as the 2023 roster is for the 49ers, several players still don’t have a Pro Bowl nod on their resume. Here are five who could get their turns this season.
No. 5: Aaron Banks, Offensive Guard
In 2022, second-year guard Aaron Banks took over for Laken Tomlinson, a 2021 Pro Bowler, after he signed with the New York Jets, and Banks’ play made fans quickly forget about Tomlinson.
Banks, in season two, allowed only one sack during the regular season according to Pro Football Focus, and that didn’t come until Week 13 versus the Miami Dolphins. He did give up a sack in the Niners’ NFC title game loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but that’s only two sacks in 615 total pass blocking attempts.
Banks missed the Pro Bowl after finishing eighth in voting in his position group, according to NBC Sports Bay Area, but another dominant season from “Banks of America” could be enough to earn him the honor in his third season.
No. 4: Arik Armstead, Defensive End
It’s hard to believe Arik Armstead has never been a Pro Bowler for as savvy as he’s played for the 49ers for eight seasons. And that includes his breakthrough 10-sack season of 2019 while playing on a line that featured DeForest Buckner and the then-rookie Bosa.
But playing on reloaded defensive line — thanks to the addition of Pro Bowler Javon Hargrave inside and former top five pick Clelin Ferrell — the chances of Armstead drawing more solo battles just increased, thereby increasing his own Pro Bowl chances.
No. 3: Charvarius Ward, Cornerback
Cornerback Charvarius Ward could have been a Pro Bowler given the fact that he put together his best season to date, but he wound up finishing ninth in voting in his position group.
Now, with Hargrave added to the rush and the defense under the direction of new coordinator Steve Wilks, this could be the season where Ward adds a Pro Bowl selection to his resume. Watch for him to improve on his one interception in 2022 in his first year on the 49ers. Opposing teams are most likely going to aim to pick on Deommodore Lenoir when both Lenoir and Ward are on the field together. We wouldn’t rule out Lenoir making a Pro Bowl run either.
No. 2: Brandon Aiyuk, Wide Receiver
Fourth-year receiver Brandon Aiyuk broke out in 2022 with his first 1,000-yard campaign.
It doesn’t matter which quarterback — Trey Lance, Brock Purdy or Sam Darnold — lines up behind center, Aiyuk will continue to get the football this season.
Even if fellow receiver Deebo Samuel recaptures his 2021 form and the 49ers feed him the ball, the door will swing open for Aiyuk as opposing defenses try to contain Samuel.
No. 1: Dre Greenlaw, Linebacker
At some point, voters have to recognize Greenlaw as one of the league’s brightest stars at outside linebacker.
Anyone collecting 127 total tackles (includling 3 behind the line of scrimmage) and breaking up 6 passes would be worthy of a Pro Bowl. Greenlaw, though, was still passed over, finishing sixth in voting in his position group.
But, again, the addition of Hargrave will only create more space for Greenlaw to wreak havoc in his fifth season with the 49ers.