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NaVorro Bowman would prove to be a tackling machine during his time with the San Francisco 49ers and once he became a starter would help usher in a new wave of strong defense for the team. Bowman would be a First Team All Pro in 2011 (despite not making the Pro Bowl) and he finished second overall in Solo Tackles. He would repeat his First Team All Pro performance again in both 2012 and 2013, this time making the Pro Bowl in both years, and in 2012 he helped the Niners reach the Super Bowl, though they would lose to the Baltimore Ravens. From 2011 to 2013 he had 140 Combined Tackles or more, which was good enough for the top ten each year. A torn ACL and MCL cost Bowman the 2014 season but his return in 2015 saw him again reach the Pro Bowl, the First Team All Pro and this time he would lead the NFL in Solo and Combined Tackles.
One of the better dual threat Running Backs of his era, Matt Forte was a surprise starter as a rookie in a season that would see him rush for over 1,200 Yards and finish seventh in the league. The product of Tulane early established himself as a solid receiving back with 63 Receptions and he quickly became a favorite of the Chicago Bears’ fanbase. Forte would play for Chicago for eight seasons and while he was only named to the Pro Bowl twice (2011 & 2013) cases could have easily been made for him in other seasons. He would have five seasons where he would go over the 1,000 Yard mark rushing and would also have six 50 Reception seasons, punctuated by a 102 catch campaign in 2014. As a testament to his offensive versatility, Forte would finish in the top ten in Yards From Scrimmage highlight by a 1,933 Yard year in 2013.
From Texas A&M, Martellus Bennett began his pro career with the Dallas Cowboys where he was the backup Tight End to Jason Witten and was regarded as an above average blocker. He would later go to the New York Giants and Chicago Bears, the latter of which would see him go to the Pro Bowl in 2014. Bennett’s career would finish in New England where he would help them win Super Bowl LI.