Ranking San Francisco 49ers' 10 Most Important Players in 2015

The San Francisco 49ers are a talented team heading into the 2015 NFL season.

Forget any notion that San Francisco will be a bottom-dwelling franchise within the NFC West this season. Forget all the chatter that the 49ers lost so much of their invaluable roster this offseason. Instead, focus on the fact that this team still boasts a deep and prolific group of players who will carry their abilities over into the upcoming season.

But who are the most important guys on San Francisco's roster?

Even after all the shake-ups that took place during the offseason, the 49ers will continue to rely upon a notable cast of players who have contributed to this franchise for multiple years. There will be some new faces too.

New and old roles are, once again, going to be tried and tested. But it is possible to assume which players on San Francisco's roster are most important to the team's success in 2015.

To do this, let's use the following criteria:

• What role will the player occupy this season, and is that specific role paramount to the 49ers efforts?
• Is the team looking for the specific player to make a substantial impact beyond average expectation?
• To what extent will the player's ability to open up opportunities for other players affect the team's potential?
• Do the 49ers need this player to have a huge season?

The questions are simple in nature. But the context and depth allows for plenty of questions to be asked.

Let's try to answer them.

Noteworthy Players

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Alex Boone's positioning in 2015 will determine his overall impact for San Francisco's offense.

One could make the argument that each player on San Francisco's 53-man roster is of crucial importance. Every person occupies a specific role that is essential to the team's success.

But not all of them will grace the top 10.

Still, there are some players who deserve recognition for their presumed accomplishments and importance this season.

Running Back Reggie Bush

Running back Carlos Hyde should carry the majority of the workload out of the backfield in 2015. But the offseason addition of veteran back Reggie Bush gives the 49ers offense an element that it has not had in some time.

Bush is a bona fide receiving threat from this position. The 30-year-old talent has 466 receptions for 3,489 yards and 18 touchdowns over his nine-year career.

San Francisco's offense can now implement a scheme that utilizes more screens and running back dump-off plays—aspects that could assist quarterback Colin Kaepernick in a great way, per Tom Carpenter of ESPN.

Defensive Tackle Glenn Dorsey

The 49ers need to reestablish their run-stuffing abilities in 2015, and defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey should be able to help.

Dorsey missed last season due to injury, but his run-stopping abilities warranted an extension that ensures he'll stay in San Francisco for 2015.

According to Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus, Dorsey graded out with a plus-8.0 mark against the run in 2013.

San Francisco's defense gave up the seventh fewest rushing yards in 2014 (1,612).

Cornerback Tramaine Brock

A flurry of changes have affected San Francisco's secondary, but one returning cast member who can still impact the cornerback position is Tramaine Brock.

Brock appeared in just three games last year after being named the 49ers' No. 1 cornerback. Hopes are for him to be healthy this season after the free-agent losses of cornerbacks Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox.

With the opposite cornerback starter yet to be determined—Shareece Wright, Dontae Johnson and Keith Reaser are some of the candidates—even more pressure will be applied to Brock to ensure solid play at this vital position.

Wide Receiver Jerome Simpson

The offseason acquisition of wide receiver Jerome Simpson added another element of speed to San Francisco's offense. Per Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, Simpson is in competition with fellow wideouts Bruce Ellington and Quinton Patton for the coveted No. 3 receiver spot.

Provided Simpson wins out, the 29-year-old receiving target will be asked to help spread the field when the 49ers go with three-wide receiver sets. This should open up more opportunities for top receivers like Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith.

And one should also not overlook the fact that seven of Simpson's eight career touchdowns have come within the red zone—an area that has been of substantial weakness for the 49ers in recent seasons.

Right Guard Alex Boone

This offseason, thankfully, did not have another Alex Boone holdout story attached to it. The veteran right guard, along with left tackle Joe Staley, is one of two remaining offensive linemen from the 49ers' Super Bowl XLVII team.

With all the turnover that took place along the O-line, where will Boone line up in 2015?

It's a question asked by David Fucillo of Niners Nation who concludes that Boone is best suited to occupy Mike Iupati's former spot at left guard.

If this is the case, San Francisco's O-line will at least have two established veterans to occupy that critical portion of the line.

Center Daniel Kilgore

Center Daniel Kilgore was, perhaps, the most reliable O-lineman in 2014. At least up to the point where he suffered a season-ending injury against the Denver Broncos in Week 7.

With all the changes that have happened along the O-line this offseason, getting Kilgore back to 100 percent is of paramount importance to the 49ers offense. 

But Kilgore is uncertain whether or not he'll be fully ready by the start of training camp per Eric Branch of SFGate.com.

The O-line is better with Kilgore healthy. And a healthy, consistent O-line will be critical to San Francisco's offensive efforts in 2015.

No. 10: Safety Eric Reid

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Safety Eric Reid is now one of the few incumbent veterans within San Francisco's secondary.

The 49ers enjoyed a solid safety tandem in 2014 with Eric Reid and Antoine Bethea patrolling the defensive backfield.

These two will continue to do so again this season, but with all the shake-ups that occurred at cornerback during the offseason—including the losses of defensive backs Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox—Reid and Bethea may have an increased responsibility when the 49ers defense takes the field in 2015.

San Francisco's first-round draft pick from 2013 is a veteran now with two full seasons under his belt. And that prowess should come in handy.

Fortunately, Reid looks as if he is in midseason form per this video from the team's website.

That's a good sign of things to come.

But if there is a concern with Reid, it is the fact that the third-year safety has suffered from multiple concussions during his NFL tenure. This has likely forced him to rely less on the hard-hitting nature that made him so noteworthy in college.

Instead, Reid will have to showcase his ability to adjust to defensive coordinator Eric Mangini's scheme in 2015 and ensure that the deep part of the secondary is adequately covered to make up for any shortcomings that may arise from the relatively inexperienced crop of cornerbacks in front of him.

No. 9: Tight End Vernon Davis

2014 was the worst season, statistically, for veteran tight end Vernon Davis since breaking into the NFL in 2006.

Davis hauled in a mere 26 receptions for 245 yards and two touchdowns over an injury-plagued and, according to Davis, per Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, poorly managed season.

So can the one-time elite tight end bounce back to the level that once made him one of the league's best?

According to James Brady of Niners Nation, Davis' poor season can be attributed to the same reasons listed above.

"

NFC West position rankings 2015: Can Vernon Davis keep 49ers relevant at tight end? http://t.co/4v5Ul7rYjS pic.twitter.com/UJjvUh6Zc7

— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) July 7, 2015"

Davis also has two other factors working in his favor. The 31-year-old veteran enters a contract year—the final season of his five-year, $36.75 million contract. That should be enough motivation for Davis to put in the extra effort necessary to cash in on a big deal in 2016.

On top of that, the offseason acquisition of wide receiver Torrey Smith means that Davis is no longer the lone deep threat on offense.

With Smith drawing defensive backs further down the field, Davis should be allowed to run more traditional tight end routes—an approach that might be more beneficial to his current skill set.

As such, Davis could reemerge as one of the primary threats the 49ers have on offense, which makes his importance that much more critical.

No. 8: Left Tackle Joe Staley

Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

Left tackle Joe Staley remains one of the few proven forces along the 49ers O-line.

San Francisco's offensive line will require some answers heading into the regular season.

Where will right guard Alex Boone play? Can center Daniel Kilgore return healthy enough from his leg injury? Who takes over for Anthony Davis at right tackle? Is offensive guard Brandon Thomas ready for life at the NFL level?

If there is one consistency, it is with left tackle Joe Staley.

Staley demonstrated that consistency in the second half of last season. He posted a plus-18.5 grade over the final eight weeks of 2014 per Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus.

"

Over the final eight weeks of 2014, Joe Staley had a +18.5 grade, third best among all tackles. Allowed no sacks and just one QB hit. #49ers

— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) June 11, 2015"

The left side of the 49ers offensive line figures to be a strength with Staley anchoring the tackle position.

And an offense's effectiveness is all too frequently measured by the abilities of the O-line.

If Staley can replicate his efforts from the second half of 2014, the left side should be in good hands. San Francisco loves to move the ball towards the left side, which makes Staley's run-blocking abilities that much more important.

His pass protection also cannot be undervalued, especially when considering the other questions that exist along the line.

No. 7: Wide Receiver Anquan Boldin

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Wide receiver Anquan Boldin will likely still be the 49ers' No. 1 receiving target in 2015.

San Francisco's wide receiver position had some shake-ups during the offseason after the departures of wideouts Michael Crabtree, Stevie Johnson and Brandon Lloyd.

There were some notable additions after the 49ers brought in free agents Torrey Smith and Jerome Simpson.

But highlighting the cast is still 34-year-old veteran wideout Anquan Boldin.

Boldin was able to post another 1000-yard receiving season in 2014 despite the 49ers offense having an off year via the aerial attack. He'll have some more support this season considering San Francisco's offseason acquisitions, so it's hard to say whether or not he'll eclipse the same mark again in 2015.

Of course, his age is always going to be a question mark at this point of his career.

Yet Boldin should benefit from the presence of speed at this position. Smith and Simpson have the ability to stretch the field, which should open up things for the slower Boldin to make plays underneath.

This approach is similar to the situation facing tight end Vernon Davis. But Boldin has been quarterback Colin Kaepernick's most favorite target over the last two seasons, which makes the veteran wide receiver that much more important in 2015.

No. 6: Wide Receiver Torrey Smith

For players like wide receiver Anquan Boldin and tight end Vernon Davis to reach their maximum potential this season, wideout Torrey Smith will have to ensure he's doing his job to pull coverage far down the field.

This is the sole reason why he is ranked above either offensive standout.

Smith's job is to stretch the field with his speed—emerging as that true deep threat the 49ers have lacked at the position in recent seasons.

"

Torrey Smith has 142 targets on passes over 20 yards in the air in his career. Has caught 42 of them for 1,521 yards

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) March 10, 2015"

With Smith drawing safety help over the top, underneath routes should be open for both Boldin and Davis to make an impact in the intermediate receiving game.

But this doesn't mean that Smith will only be used as a decoy. Kaepernick's strong arm is an element that should play to Smith's strengths. That leaves Kaepernick's accuracy and targeting abilities as the only wild cards in regards to Smith's playmaking abilities.

Smith is also a bona fide red-zone threat as well. Sixteen of his 30 career touchdowns have come within the red zone, which will help give the 49ers offense yet another critical component to its aerial attack.

No. 5: Defensive End Tank Carradine

Tony Avelar/Associated Press

Can Tank Carradine occupy the void left by defensive end Justin Smith?

2015 needs to be the year when the 49ers finally get a significant return on their second-round investment of the 2013 NFL draft.

Defensive end Tank Carradine might have been a prolific pass-rusher at Florida State, but his tenure at the NFL level hasn't exactly been noteworthy.

Carradine missed his rookie season while recovering from a collegiate injury. But he struggled to get on the field in Year 2. In all, Carradine appeared in just nine games last season and primarily in a reserve role behind veteran ends Justin Smith and Ray McDonald.

Both Smith and McDonald are gone now and, while there are other established D-linemen, Carradine's efforts will need to be at the max in order for San Francisco to be successful on defense.

But the importance of Carradine may not be as a pass-rusher but as an end who locks up opposing blockers in the same mold of Smith.

This is the argument made by CSN Bay Area's Matt Maiocco:

"

Now, the 49ers need to get production from a player who showed unique pass-rush skills as a senior at Florida State with 13 sacks. But as much as the 49ers would like Carradine to pile up sack numbers, it might be more important that he selflessly creates opportunities for outside linebacker Aldon Smith.

Justin Smith played a huge role in Aldon Smith’s success as he routinely tied up blockers to allow the outside pass-rusher to come free on inside moves en route to the quarterback. Aldon Smith enters this season with 44 sacks in 50 career games.

"

"

#49ers DE Tank Carradine will get increased opportunity, but can he do what Justin Smith did for Aldon Smith? http://t.co/g1pVOhQ0Xj

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoCSN) May 26, 2015"

Carradine could be the linchpin of San Francisco's defense in order for linebacker Aldon Smith to get the same type of opportunities as he did with Justin Smith on the roster.

If not, San Francisco's defensive front will have to figure out other ways to put pressure on the quarterback, which makes Carradine's impact extremely important in 2015.

No. 4: Linebacker NaVorro Bowman

Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

Linebacker NaVorro Bowman may be the new voice of the 49ers defense in 2015.

The 49ers lost one perennial All-Pro linebacker when Patrick Willis retired, but they are getting another back with the healthy return of NaVorro Bowman.

Bowman's presence does more than just add an intimidating, playmaking force in the middle of the defense. It adds a three-time All-Pro who should easily emerge as the defensive leader—just how Willis was during his storied tenure.

Injury questions will obviously plague Bowman's return until the standout linebacker has proven on the field that he is 100 percent. 

Fortunately, signs are pointing that Bowman's recovery is right where it needs to be.

“The knee will get to where it needs to be," Bowman said via Taylor Price of 49ers.com during the 49ers' OTA session. "Maybe not as fast as you guys expect, but I’m definitely going to get back to that level.”

"

LB @NBowman53 updates knee rehab at #49ers OTAs. Hint: It's good news. http://t.co/79Hwra0gAY pic.twitter.com/nCs77yKawP

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 30, 2015"

A 100-percent Bowman is, with little doubt, among the most elite linebackers in the game today. He may also be the best defensive player on the 49ers roster, which puts him just near the top of most-important players on that side of the ball.

No. 3: Running Back Carlos Hyde

The 49ers were a run-first team during the Jim Harbaugh era, and there should be little reason to suspect much difference under head coach Jim Tomsula.

Tomsula reiterated via Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee that he wanted San Francisco to feature its running game again in 2015.

This will have to be done without perennial Pro Bowler Frank Gore, who departed the team via free agency this offseason.

Enter running back Carlos Hyde.

Hyde averaged 4.0 yards per carry during his rookie year—an effort that resulted in 333 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also ranked second in the league behind Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch in forcing missed tackles according to Pro Football Focus.

"

Carlos Hyde ranked second behind Lynch in our Elusive Rating when rushing. Forced a missed tackle every 3.3 carries. https://t.co/VM6LIVC2yd

— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) July 9, 2015"

These numbers suggest that Hyde should be perfectly capable of carrying the workload out of the backfield.

He'll have to, given San Francisco's likely continued reliance upon the running game. Without Hyde setting the tone, the 49ers offense figures to be in a lot of trouble.

No. 2: Linebacker Aldon Smith

Tony Avelar/Associated Press

Linebacker Aldon Smith needs to return to his elite pass-rushing form for San Francisco's defense to be successful.

Last year, San Francisco's most feared pass-rusher netted just two sacks in an abbreviated season that was hindered by off-the-field issues. But 2015 promises to be vastly different.

At least according to outside linebacker Aldon Smith.

“I feel fast now,” Smith said via Joe Fann of 49ers.com. “I’ve lost some weight, slimmed up, gotten stronger and it’s shown on the field.”

Smith had just two sacks over seven games last season. But he has 44 over his four-year career.

“I don’t think I played to my level, and I want to do everything it takes to play consistently at my level,” Smith said. “I know that when I’m playing consistently and I’m on my game, I can’t be stopped.”

"

"When I'm on my game, I can't be stopped." -@AldonSmith is on a mission. Read more: http://t.co/QZhn2bekkt pic.twitter.com/CoY7wguF9X

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) June 12, 2015"

Smith edges out fellow linebacker NaVorro Bowman on this list simply because defensive coordinator Eric Mangini's defense should continue to rely heavily on the pass rush. And Smith is more critical than Carradine given that the 49ers' D-line depth is good enough to supply force if Carradine struggles this season.

The majority of the defense's fortunes will rely upon whether or not Smith can return to the elite pass-rusher status that made him famous a couple of years ago.

And he may very well be the most-feared player on San Francisco's defense.

No. 1: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick

One could make the argument that the 49ers offense—and, perhaps, the entire team for that matter—will go only as far as quarterback Colin Kaepernick will take it.

Kaepernick's 2014 woes are enough to cast doubt upon whether or not San Francisco's offense will improve upon its 30th-place ranking in total passing yards a year ago (3,063). It was easy to cast blame on the play-calling, a banged-up offensive line or a lack of an established speed threat.

Such cannot be the case this season.

The 27-year-old signal-caller posted a career low in quarterback rating last season (86.4) since being named starter in 2012. He clearly struggled with his decision-making process and ability to work through his progressions.

Kaepernick spent a portion of the offseason trying to redress these issues. He worked with former NFL great Kurt Warner and quarterbacking coach Dennis Gile prior to San Francisco's offseason workouts.

The 49ers also added a true deep threat with wide receiver Torrey Smith.

San Francisco's offensive line may still be a question mark though. It's a problem addressed in the above B/R video. And Kaepernick's 52 sacks last year suggest this could be a reoccurring issue.

But part of getting Kaepernick back into form may be letting him return to the strengths that eluded him in 2014.

According to quarterbacks coach Steve Logan (h/t Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee), the 49ers plan on letting Kaepernick use his legs more:

"

And this is where we’ve seen Colin Kaepernick and Aaron Rodgers and all these mobile quarterbacks who can really do damage to defenses by pulling the football down when everybody’s covered and go get something maybe a Peyton Manning or a more pocket-oriented quarterbacks is not capable of getting,” Logan said. “And that’s not a knock on anybody. It’s just I really prefer to have that bonus attached to the quarterback position.

"

"

Will Colin Kaepernick be a running QB or a pocket QB in 2015? Yes, says Steve Logan ... #49ers http://t.co/LwezuA5Txi

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) June 12, 2015"

Logan also emphasizes the need for Kaepernick to properly determine when to utilize this unique skill. 

"

What we need to learn is when to use the trump card and when not to. If we use the trump card too much, you’ll devolve as a pocket passer. If you learn to use it at the appropriate times, you can really blossom as a pocket passer.

"

That could be the critical trick. If Kaepernick remains an elusive rushing threat, it will open up read-option plays similar to those which make the quarterback successful in the first place.

And that should do all the more for the other aspects of San Francisco's offense.

More importantly, Kaepernick needs to step up in such a way where he truly emerges as the face of this franchise. The 49ers would love for him to do so. They want him to be the most important player on San Francisco's roster.

The remaining question is whether or not he will be.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated.

Peter Panacy is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers.

Follow him @PeterPanacy on Twitter.