Willis honored as one of NFL's Top 10 players

With winning comes individual recognition. And that's what seven 49ers have experienced with mentions among "The Top 100: Players of 2012."Linebacker Patrick Willis led the group, as he was ranked No. 10 in the ranking, which was billed as a players-only vote. The finale aired Wednesday on the NFL Network.A year ago, Willis ranked No. 23 on the list after leading the 49ers in tackles while recording a career-high six sacks in 15 games.Willis played in just 13 games in 2011. He was named first-team All-Pro. Willis recorded two sacks but had career-highs with four forced fumbles and two recoveries.Arguably, Willis had a better individual season in 2010. But after the 49ers finished with 14 victories and a trip to the NFC Championship, Willis landed among the NFL's Top 10.Defensive end Justin Smith, who was chosen as the 49ers MVP last season, ranked 17th on the list. Smith was not ranked among the Top 100 a year ago.Smith was a strong candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 with his outstanding all-around play. He was a first-team All-Pro defensive tackle and second-team All-Pro defensive end.The other 49ers to make this year's list were:28, Running back Frank Gore: While playing two-thirds of the 49ers' offensive plays, Gore posted the second-highest rushing total of his NFL career. Gore rushed for 1,211 yards and eight touchdowns. He was selected to the NFC Pro Bowl team, but opted out of the game.43, Tight end Vernon Davis: He was second on the team behind Michael Crabtree in receptions and yards during the regular season. Davis, among the top blocking tight ends, was dominant in the 49ers' two playoff games with 10 catches for 292 yards and four touchdowns.67, Left tackle Joe Staley: He was selected to his first Pro Bowl after playing all 16 games. Injuries limited Staley to just nine games both of the past two seasons, but he enjoyed his breakout season as the 49ers' win total increased.69, Cornerback Carlos Rogers: He came to the 49ers as a free agent after six seasons with the Washington Redskins and turned in his career year. Rogers intercepted six passes and earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl.85, Linebacker NaVorro Bowman: The 49ers did not attempt to re-sign veteran linebacker Takeo Spikes, and Bowman made the move pay off. According to the statistics kept by 49ers coaches, Bowman recorded 173 tackles. Willis was second with 121. Bowman was named first-team All-Pro.