NaVorro Bowman, linebacker, San Francisco 49ers
There’s no questioning the heart and dedication of this giant. One of the best defensive players in the NFL when healthy, Bowman is once again tasked with returning from a devastating lower-body injury. A three-time All Pro, Bowman missed all but four games of last season with a torn Achilles.
This came following the former mid-round pick returning from a devastating leg injury he suffered in the 2013 NFC Championship game to earn an All Pro nod in 2015. That season saw Bowman rack up 154 tackles and 2.5 sacks en route to grading out as the best inside linebacker in the NFL.
Now set to learn a new scheme under first-year defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for the rebuilding 49ers, Bowman will be tasked with being the experience on an otherwise young unit.
Whether he plays outside or inside in this new scheme remains to be seen. But with what Bowman has gone through in his career and how he has rebounded following multiple serious injuries, there’s no reason to discount him here.