How will the 49ers utilize Nick Bosa and Dee Ford on defense in 2019?

49ers’ plans for Nick Bosa and Dee Ford

As the mantra goes, a team can never have too many good pass rushers. While this rings true even when the players are relatively identical, Bosa and Ford are different types of edge defenders, which works to the 49ers’ advantage.

At 6-foot-4 and 266 pounds, Bosa is a prototypical 4-3 defensive end who is stout against the run and a force against the pass. Ford is significantly shorter and lighter than his counterpart, but the former Kansas City Chiefs star clocked a 4.53-second 40-yard dash, and is more comfortable rushing from a two-point stance. Ford also excels at attacking the passer from both the left and right side of the defensive line.

While the two edge rushers were signed for their ability to get to the quarterback, their different styles of play will allow the 49ers to use them in different situations, while also getting both players on the field at the same time. And just as important, the acquisitions will finally let San Francisco keep the remainder of their talented defensive linemen primarily on the inside of the line, where they play best.

Another common theme in the NFL is that “nickel is the new base” defense, which is technically true, as nearly two-thirds of offensive plays are run out of 11 personnel. In fact, the 49ers were the only NFL team that used fewer than three wideouts on the majority of their offensive snaps in 2018.

However, when an offense trots three wideouts onto the field, opposing defenses still need to defend against the run. In 2018, the majority of NFL rushing attempts were run out of 11 personnel. So, if we remove short-yardage situations, we are left with three types of defensive personnel scenarios: 4-3 defense, nickel defense on early downs, and subpackages in obvious passing situations. Here’s how the 49ers are likely to line up in each scenario: