San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis and punter Andy Lee have been named to The Associated Press 2007 NFL All-Pro team which was announced on Wednesday.
Willis, who earned NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year last week, was the only rookie honored among 27 players selected to the squad. He received the most votes at his position with 30, followed by Seattle Seahawks Lofa Tatupu's 22. Willis also became the first 49ers rookie to earn first-team all-pro honors since safety Ronnie Lott was selected to the team in 1981.
Selected with the 11th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Willis made his mark on the NFL during his rookie season, leading the NFL in tackles with 226, making 10-plus tackles in 15 of 16 games, and 20-plus tackles three times. He finished with 226 tackles (143 solo), 4.0 sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and five passes defensed.
Lee had one of the top seasons for a punter in team and NFL history. He ranked second in the NFL with a team record 41.0 net average and team record 47.3 gross average. He also set an NFL record for punts downed inside the 20-yard line with 42. Lee had 49 of his punts sail 50 yards or more, which was 16 more than St. Louis Rams punter Donnie Jones, who ranked second in that category. Lee earned 35 of the 50 votes at his position, with Oakland Raiders punter Shane Lechler finishing second with 13. It marks the first time a 49ers punter earned first-team all-pro honors.
The honors signal the first time since 1996 that the 49ers had multiple players earn first-team all-pro honors. That year, defensive end Bryant Young, wide receiver Jerry Rice and safety Merton Hanks made the team.
For a complete rundown of the 2007 NFL All-Pro team, click here now!
