San Francisco 49ers Overrated and Underrated Players

It's time to get real 49er fans.  When the hype hits the fan, who is left standing as the key contributors on the team?

It's time to look at the 5 most overrated and 5 most underrated players on this promising team.

#5 Overrated: Safety Dashon Goldson

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 11: Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons runs past Dashon Goldson #38 of the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 11, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Before the turning point of last season at home against the Atlanta Falcons people were questioning the team speed.

Goldson came up with some a gem saying something to the effect that with him and Clements back there that there's no concern and whomever is raising those concerns doesn't know anything about this team.

Later that week, on a Sunday, Atlanta WR Roddy White burned the 49ers for a franchise record 210 yards including a 90 yard play on a fifteen yard curl route where Roddy White out ran everyone.

Now Roddy White is one of the fastest players in the league, he wasn't alone as another Falcon receiver caught up and passed every 49er who was in pursuit.

This was the turning point in a game that saw the 49ers get crushed 45-10 at home.

There's a lot of hype about Dashon Goldson being a star in this league... I'll take Merton Hanks any day.

#5 Underrated: Long Snapper Brian Jennings

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SAN FRANCISCO - 2008: Brian Jennings of the San Francisco 49ers poses for his 2008 NFL headshot at photo day in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Getty Images)

Brian Jennings has been the 49ers long snapper for this, his 11th year.

11 years of consistency at this position lands him in the long snapper hall of fame.

It's not an easy job to throw a perfect pass to a punter or a place holder with your head between your legs and a rush coming up the middle.

Still, I can't remember the last time the 49ers muffed a long snap and Brian Jennings is why.

#4 Overrated: Left Tackle Joe Staley

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MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 27: Joe Staley #74 of the San Francisco 49erschews on his mouth piece while sitting on the bench during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on September 27, 2009 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The V

This was a blunder by Scot Mclaughlin.

Instead of trading up in the first round to select CB Darelle Revis like the Jets did, the 49ers gave away just as much in order to get RT Joe Staley.

Injury prone, Joe Staley made the transition to Left Tackle out of necessity and nowhere near the stud the 49ers pretend he is.

If he stays healthy the 49ers have a chance to win but don't expect him to be the dominant LT the 49ers passed up in Michael Oher.

#4 Underrated: Defensive Lineman Ricky Jean Francois

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SAN FRANCISCO - 2009: Ricky Jean-Francois of the San Francisco 49ers poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in San Francisco, California. (Photo by NFL Photos)

A CBS National Champion, Francois showed this pre-season that he can play with the starters.

While behind Franchise Player Aubrayo Franklin on the depth chart, Francois will be a viable option if Franklin walks this offseason.

Not sure what Francois' contribution will be this year... maybe they'll use him in goalline situations for some extra push.

Expect to see him become a very solid player in the years to come.

#3 Overrated: Defensive End Justin Smith

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SAN FRANCISCO - 2009: Justin Smith of the San Francisco 49ers poses for his 2009 NFL headshot at photo day in San Francisco, California. (Photo by NFL Photos)

Justin Smith is anything but the sack machine the 49ers hoped he would become.

Justin Smith has a motor.  Justin Smith has good size and strength. Justin Smith stays healthy.

With the money the Niners gave him though as a free agent he is not the star DE 49ers fans hoped he would be.

#3 Underrated: Offensive Lineman David Bass

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 11: David Baas #64 ofthe San Francisco 49ers in action during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on October 11, 2009 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

David's versatility is the key to the 49ers success until All Pro Center Eric Heitmann returns from injury.

A backup guard, David Bass is stepping up huge to fill the shoes of Heitmann and by the looks of the pre-season he is getting the job done since the first game.

For someone who lost his starting job, he's playing a big role in the early part of the season.

#2 Overrated: Corner Back Nate Clements

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SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 04: Steven Jackson #39 of the the St. Louis Rams runs against Nate Clements #22 of the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL game on October 4, 2009 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Imag

Nate Clements was supposed to be the shutdown corner the 49ers were lacking.

Instead Nate Clements has been picked on by every number 1 receiver out there.

Since this isn't an article about busts and rather an article about overrated, he's only number 2 as supposed to number 1.

Nate Clements has lost #1 status to Shawntee Spencer so it seems as though most fans and coaches are catching on that Nate Clements is not the player we thought he was when we signed him.

#2 Underrated: Corner Back Shawntae Spencer

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NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 27: Shawntee Spencer #36 of the San Francisco 49ers breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Erron Kinney #88 of the Tennessee Titans during week 12 NFL action on November 27, 2005 at the Coliseum in Nashville, Tennessee. (P

Shawntae Spencer has quietly become the #1 Corner Back on the 49ers, manning the left side of the defense.

This being Spencer's seventh year in the league, this is his second year as a number one corner in the NFL and no one outside of the bay is talking about him.

#1 Overrated: Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree

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SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 02: Michael Crabtree #15 works out during the San Francisco 49ers training camp at their training complex on August 2, 2010 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Michael Crabtree has done two things for the 49ers thus far... Jack and shit... and Jack left town.

He is by far the most hyped player on the 49ers who has done nothing.

If he proves himself, great, until he does can we all just shut up about him?

#1 Underrated: Middle Linbacker Takeo Spikes

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SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 22: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings is sacked by Patrick Willis #52 and Takeo Spikes #51 of the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL pre-season game at Candlestick Park on August 22, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo

Takeo Spikes would be and was a star player on almost every other team.

The fact that he allows himself to be overshadowed by the soon to be legendary Patrick Willis speaks loads to his humility.

Takeo Spikes has helped P-Dubs become the player he is and will bring NaVorro Bowman along as well.

Got Smack?

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 02: The San Francisco 49ers' Gold Rush cheerleaders cheer during their game against the San Diego Chargers at Candlestick Park on September 2, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

You want to whine about how you love a player on this list and say I'm an idiot for picking someone you're totally gay for?

Bring it!  ;)