Super Bowl 54: Ranking the 20 best players playing in 49ers vs. Chiefs
By Samuel Teets
18. Kwon Alexander, LB, 49ers
A former fourth-round pick, Kwon Alexander spent the first four seasons of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his final year with Tampa Bay, Alexander suffered a torn ACL, which ended his season after six games. The former Pro Bowler entered free agency, and the 49ers gave him a four-year, $54 million deal.
Unfortunately, injuries followed Alexander to his new team. He suffered a torn pectoral muscle during San Francisco’s Week 9 win against the Arizona Cardinals. The 49ers placed him on injured reserve (IR) but designated Alexander to return.
Alexander suited up for San Francisco’s Divisional Round matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. He also appeared in the NFC Championship and will be available for the Super Bowl. The linebacker still doesn’t look entirely like himself and didn’t see as many snaps as usual during his first two games back. Maybe he’ll be fully ready to go in time for the big game.
17. Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers
Deebo Samuel looks like the future of the receiving position in San Francisco. Even though the team traded for Sanders, Samuel stood out as a rising star in 2019. Depending on how Kansas City guards Kittle, Samuel may become Jimmy Garoppolo‘s primary option during the Super Bowl.
The 49ers selected Samuel with the fourth pick in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The South Carolina product never stood out for his numbers in college, but he flashed unique versatility that attracted San Francisco. The pairing was perfect.
In San Francisco’s Week 17 duel with the Seattle Seahawks for the NFC West title, Samuel caught five passes for 102 yards. He also carried the ball twice for 33 yards and a touchdown. With the 26-21 victory, San Francisco secured the top seed in the NFC.
Samuel ended his rookie season with 57 receptions for 802 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran the ball 14 times for 159 yards and three more scores. Samuel’s speed and athleticism allow the 49ers to run reverses and some trick plays. Expect that a few of those plays will appear in the Super Bowl.