The 49ers’ entire defensive front was key to the club’s success on that side of the ball last season. Spearheading their pass rush was a deep, talented group of defensive ends creating havoc off the edge. They’ll need a similar formula in 2020.
San Francisco could see an increased need for productivity on the edge after DeForest Buckner was traded in the offseason. The top of the depth chart is less of a question than the rotational players’ ability to make an impact while limiting the number of snaps the starters have to play.
Our depth chart projections continue with a group of defensive ends that could be the most important players on the 49ers’ roster:
DE Nick Bosa
There’s a chance Bosa exits 2020 as the Defensive Player of the Year and in the conversation for best defensive player in the NFL. He had 9.0 sacks his rookie year, along with 80 total pressures in the regular season. Bosa shined on the biggest stage though with 12 pressures and a sack in the Super Bowl. He’s going to spearhead the 49ers’ defense for a long time.