Tony Parrish

Starting strong safety, who should have made the Pro Bowl the past few seasons, and had 59 solo tackles and four interceptions in 2004. One of the top players at his position.

Parrish looks like Darren Sharper now that he's in San Francisco. He doesn't make as many solo tackles, averaging just 58.5 over his two years by the Bay. In fact, barring games of eight and 10 solo stops, he didn't make more than four in any other game. Nonetheless, eight interceptions and 17.5 passes defended per year sure are gaudy. After starting slowly in the first four games of 2003, Parrish picked up all nine of his picks and 18 passes defended in the last 12. He also hasn't missed a game in six seasons.

Parrish had 63 tackles and seven interceptions in his first season with the 49ers. Parrish is a hard hitter with a nose for the ball, and though it remains to be seen how the departure of coach Steve Mariucci will affect him, he's a good bet for 60-plus tackles and a few picks in 2003.