Super Bowl 54: Ranking the 20 best players playing in 49ers vs. Chiefs

16. Raheem Mostert, RB, 49ers

Raheem Mostert played four years at Purdue before going undrafted in 2015. He bounced around from Cleveland to Miami to Baltimore to Chicago before finally landing with the 49ers part of the way through the 2016 season.

However, Mostert contributed very lightly to San Francisco’s offense during his early years with the team, and he ended up on IR in 2017 and 2018. Before 2019, Mostert signed a three-year deal worth $8.7 million with the 49ers. San Francisco’s faith in Mostert paid off. He set career-highs in carries (137), rushing yards (772), and rushing touchdowns (eight) in 2019.

In the NFC Championship Game, Jimmy Garoppolo only threw the ball eight times. San Francisco didn’t need to throw the ball because Mostert took over the game. He carried the ball 29 times for 220 yards and ran in four touchdowns as the 49ers pummeled the Packers.

Every now and then, Mostert turns into a monster. However, his highlight-reel games come inconsistently, and the 49ers usually mix up their running backs more. Matt Breida and Tevin Coleman both ran for over 500 yards during the 2019 regular season. Coleman did suffer a dislocated shoulder against the Packers, and it is unclear if he will play in the Super Bowl.

15. Joe Staley, LT, 49ers

Joe Staley is one of the most beloved and acknowledged players even among a group of elite tackles who gobble up accolades year after year. Even at age 35, he is San Francisco’s best offensive lineman.

The 49ers drafted Staley with the 28th overall pick back in 2007. For younger fans, that probably feels like an eternity ago, but it was a treat to watch Staley develop through the stages of his career.

After a slow start hindered by injuries, Staley rallied off years of success, starting in 2011. He made five straight Pro Bowls, and the Associated Press selected him as a Second-Team All-Pro three consecutive times. From 2011-15, Staley did not miss a game.

However, injuries and old age are starting to take their toll on Staley. He missed three games in 2016, made his final Pro Bowl in 2017 and missed nine regular-season games this year. Luckily, he returned in time for the final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs. Now, Staley will anchor San Francisco’s offensive line in the biggest game of his life.