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

49ers Defensive Line in Obvious Passing Situations

On third-and-long and other passing situations, the 49ers’ defensive linemen can pin their ears back and attack the quarterback without having to worry about the run. Lynch and Shanahan spent valuable draft and financial capital on their pair of edge rushers for these situations. Bosa was PFF’s top pass rusher in the 2019 NFL Draft, while Ford’s PFF pass-rush grade was tops among all edge defenders last season:

Defensive Line Personnel in Obvious Passing Situations

Bosa and Ford will both line up on the outside in obvious passing situations, likely in the wide-9 technique favored by new defensive line coach Kris Kocurek. With two true edge rushers on the outside, the 49ers will be able to kick Armstead and Thomas inside, where they’ve shown success in pressuring opposing quarterbacks in the past:

DE: Nick Bosa
DT: DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, Solomon Thomas
DT: Solomon Thomas, Arik Armstead
DE: Dee Ford

Overall, expect the 49ers to implement a heavy rotation of players across the defensive line in 2019 in an effort to keep each of their defenders healthy and fresh.

San Francisco also returns defensive end Ronald Blair, who saw over 500 snaps last season, defensive tackle Sheldon Day, who can play anywhere on the interior of the defensive line, as well as 2018 fourth-round draft pick Kentavius Street. Second-year players Julilan Taylor and Pita Taumoepenu could also work their way into backup roles.

With the plethora of talent the team has acquired, the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive line is in place to be a “dominant force” in 2019.

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