No. 4: 49ers CB Richard Sherman

Prior to March 10, 2018, San Francisco 49ers fans had a deep hatred for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman. Within a matter of months, Sherman became a Niner fan favorite and the leader of the 49ers’ defensive unit. The former enemy of the 49ers quickly became a favorite of his teammates as well:

“He’s been pretty much the exact opposite of what I thought. I thought he was going to be annoying like he was annoying to me when he was with the Seahawks. But he’s been nothing but great.” – 49ers tackle Joe Staley

While he continued to recover from his 2017 Achilles injury and subsequent surgeries, Sherman acted as an unofficial assistant coach for the 49ers’ defense. Sherman took members of San Francisco’s secondary under his wing, particularly fellow cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, who was invited to train with Sherman and other elite corners over the offseason.

However, Lynch and Shanahan didn’t sign Sherman to a handsome three-year contract because the team needed another coach or a positive presence in the locker room. The 49ers expected Sherman to be the shut-down corner he was in Seattle — and so far, the Niners’ front office has gotten what it paid for.

This season, opposing quarterbacks have essentially ignored the wide receiver who lines up on Sherman’s side of the field. Over the first quarter of the season, Sherman was targeted just six times, and allowed just a single reception, per Pro Football Focus. Unfortunately, the Niners’ free-agent acquisition suffered a minor calf strain in Week 3, but the 49ers hope their top cornerback will be back in action — and locking down one half of the field —  within the next week.

Next Page: 49ers Standout No. 3