Early predictions for which 49ers make the Pro Bowl in 2019
By Peter Panacy
Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner
DeForest Buckner was snubbed last year, but that won’t be the case in 2018.
The primary reason will be his supporting cast. Buckner was one of the team’s best pass-rushers last season, leading the defense with an 89.6 pass-rush grade, per Pro Football Focus. And his pass-rush productivity mark of 8.4 ranked fifth among all PFF’s qualifying interior defenders last season.
The problem, however, is the 49ers lacked an outside pass rush last year. Opposing quarterbacks could simply avoid the interior rush knowing full well San Francisco’s edge defenders weren’t going to converge.
As a result, Buckner finished with a whopping 52 pressures but only three sacks.
Traditional stats are what count here. Yet a true edge bender is high on the Niners’ offseason wish list.
With some added production here, Buckner’s sack totals should see a lofty increase. Combine that with the analytics, and he should get the nod.