4. Ahmad Brooks
When guys named Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman, and Aldon Smith line up around you, you have a good chance at getting overlooked. Brooks is one of the most underrated players on the 49ers roster and one of the most unheralded defenders in the league.
Last season Brooks was rock solid, starting all 16 games for San Fran with 52 tackles, 8.5 sacks, seven pass defenses, and an interception. He’s started every game for the past three seasons, and should play a major role as the defense plans to play without Bowman to start 2014.
