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San Francisco 49ers: Predicting team player awards for the 2017 season

By Peter Panacy

December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end DeForest Buckner (99) sacks New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. The Jets defeated the 49ers 23-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (99) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (99) warms up prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Team MVP — DeForest Buckner

Some years ago, names like Patrick Willis or NaVorro Bowman would have been the biggest playmakers for the 49ers. But defensive end Justin Smith might as well have been the team’s MVP.

This year, the defensive hype largely will fall on Bowman and fellow linebacker Reuben Foster.

But their efforts wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for the efforts from defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.

Expect Buckner to make huge strides from an already impressive rookie season. His team-leading six sacks last year should already force teams to scheme against him this season. Yet the additions of players like Foster and defensive end Solomon Thomas means Buckner should get plenty of help within the front seven.

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Buckner may not register double-digit sacks, especially if the 49ers are relying more on LEO players converging on the pocket. But he’ll be the force occupying two and three blockers, thus allowing San Francisco’s pass-rushers to converge.

It’s a formula that worked so well during the Niners’ last term of dominance. And we’ll likely see it again.

San Francisco’s defense has gone through some major overhauls this offseason, and the front seven figures to be one of its strengths.

Next: Early predictions for the 49ers depth chart, 53-man roster

And if the defense is the 49ers’ best attribute overall this year, Buckner’s prowess will be the reason why.