Polamalu, James lead five into Hall Class of ’20

The task for the San Francisco 49ers heading into the draft was straight forward. Find replacements for departed starters DeForest Buckner at defensive tackle and Emmanuel Sanders at receiver and then find a player to step in for longtime left tackle Joe Staley, who informed the NFC champions before the draft that he planned to retire. The Niners filled the first two spots in the first round with defensive tackle Jevon Kinlaw and receiver Brandon Aiyuk and hoped they wouldn’t regret passing on a potential starting tackle like Tristan Wirfs.

Aaron Rodgers craves another Super Bowl, there’s no doubt about that. But he’s also pursuing a level of notoriety that extends beyond the football field.