Niner Noise
FanSided

49ers’ 5 most important defensive players entering 2019

By Peter Panacy

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 16: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a sack of Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 16: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a sack of Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on December 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 13: Dee Ford #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after a sack at Arrowhead Stadium during the third quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers on December 13, 2015 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 13: Dee Ford #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after a sack at Arrowhead Stadium during the third quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers on December 13, 2015 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

No. 2: EDGE Dee Ford

Both Nick Bosa an Dee Ford are expected to provide a massive boost to what was otherwise an underwhelming 49ers pass rush a year ago.

But Ford’s impact should be felt a little more substantially in 2019.

Last season, Ford tore up the league with a career-high 13.0 sacks and a league-leading seven forced fumbles. He never had quite a season like that, and the Niners are hoping he can come close to replicating his Pro Bowl efforts again after making the blockbuster trade with the Chiefs.

The good news is Ford joins a cast of four other former first-round defensive linemen, including Bosa, DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead and Solomon Thomas.

The sheer number of quality defenders up front should create quite a few one-on-one opportunities for Ford in the pass rush. And he’s expected to take full advantage of them, too.

Granted, Ford isn’t exactly known for his run-stopping abilities. But those aren’t why San Francisco made the trade.

No, Ford is set to be the primary edge rusher for Robert Saleh this season, who positions the team’s best pass-rusher on the weak-side LEO or Elephant role in sub packages.

Considering how pass happy the NFL is now, Ford holds a crucial role in ensuring opposing quarterbacks aren’t enjoying a lot of time within the pocket.