San Francisco 49ers: 5 Most Underrated Players

The 2011-2012 season was a magical one for both the organization and 49ers fans alike. A 13-3 regular season record was capped off with a upset win over the "favored" New Orleans Saints in the divisional round of the playoffs. 

The difference? Well, Jim Harbaugh's presence was a factor. The former Stanford coach completed a turnaround for the ages. Harbaugh transformed a club with practically the same player personnel as the previous year's 6-10 team, and turned them into contenders––all in one season.

Impressive? You bet it is. His Coach of the Year Award is evident of his impact in San Francisco. 49ers general manager, Trent Baalke, also deserves some credit but Harbaugh has unofficially become the face of the 49ers franchise. 

The players fought their hearts out to please Harbaugh and that was evident in their play. An underachieving team in the past has now transformed into this gritty, blue collar squad. 

With free agency and the draft approaching, it's time to look back at the players who made the 2011-2012 season so special.

Instead of giving you a rehash of the same star players––and the Niners do indeed have a few, I've decided to list five underrated players that may have slipped your mind. 

Bruce Miller (FB)

The rookie defensive end turned full back performed at a high level in his rookie season. Miller was essential in the 49ers' run-based attack. He was also a solid receiver when given the chance. 

Miller deserved a Pro Bowl nod but was overlooked for the likes of John Kuhn and Michael Robinson. If the Niners continue to sustain success, fans will begin to notice his play. 

Veteran Moran Norris will likely get the boot due to the emergence of Miller. 

Daniel Kilgore (OG)

Daniel Kilgore did not play a huge role this season, but he is a name that fans should watch out for.

The rookie received more playing time in the preseason than in the regular season, but in that short stint, he showed flashes of brilliance. 

He has great leverage and a nastiness that the 49ers love in their front lineman. Considering how much the Niners struggled at right guard, I was surprised Harbaugh had Kilgore behind both Chilo Rachal and Adam Snyder. 

Snyder played well but when the veteran went down with an injury, I expected Kilgore to be his replacement, not Chilo. Kilgore was second on the guard (left) depth chart, behind Mike Iupati, but I felt the rookie was a more natural right guard. 

I will not question Harbaugh's decision-making but it was perplexing, to say the least. Kilgore should have an opportunity next season if the Niners fail to find a replacement for the expected departures of both Adam Snyder and Chilo Rachal. 

Isaac Sopoaga (NT)

The eight-year veteran turned in a brilliant performance at NT for the 49ers this past season. He likely had his best year to date. 

After the departure of Aubrayo Franklin last season, I had my doubts if Sopoaga was up to the challenge of playing the ever-important NT position. 

Sopoaga cleared any doubts with his play this season and the Niners can expect this type of performance for at least another year. 

Tarell Brown (CB)

Tarell Brown deserves credit for his play this season after an inconsistent career thus far. He has the talent to be a factor in the secondary as he played well at the second corner behind Carlos Rogers. 

His injury in the NFC Conference Championship was enough evidence on how much the Niners relied on the five-year veteran.

I expect Brown to continue to progress, especially if the 49ers re-sign Rogers.  

Ray McDonald (DE)

McDonald's play went largely unnoticed this past season. He performed at a Pro Bowl level as one of the anchors in Fangio's 3-4 defense. 

Baalke was smart in locking up McDonald last offseason. If McDonald continues to peform at this level, he will far outplay his recently signed contract.