Stock down: San Francisco 49ers’ former All-Pro inside linebacker, NaVorro Bowman.
In 2013, Bowman seemed to be the Niners’ best defender—better than Justin Smith, Aldon Smith and Patrick Willis. So, when San Francisco lost those three players this offseason, optimistic 49ers fans didn’t panic. Bowman, who missed 2014 with a torn ACL and MCL, was coming back.
Problem is, Bowman isn’t Bowman anymore. He’s just a guy now—no longer an above-average player. At times, he actually below average, and the Niners run defense has suffered as a result. It currently ranks 19th in the NFL.