49ers 2019 training camp: Predicting the biggest winners and losers

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 11: Jarryd Hayne #38 of the San Francisco 49ers is wearing jersey #44 while participating in drill during practice on September 11, 2015 in Santa Clara, California. Hayne was wearing the #44 jersey for the 49ers scout team preparing for Monday nights game against the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – OCTOBER 07: DeForest Buckner #99 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after a play against the Arizona Cardinals during their NFL game at Levi’s Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Winner: Defensive Tackle DeForest Buckner

Last year, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner didn’t get the best of help from his supporting defensive line cast. And despite that, he finished with a career-high 12 sacks and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.

During the offseason, the 49ers got Buckner some help.

By adding edge rushers Dee Ford and Nick Bosa through a trade and the NFL Draft, respectively, the Niners have essentially placed three qualified pass-rushers into the fray on any given down. This will serve to take pressure off Buckner, limiting the number of double blocks he’ll see over the course of the season.

It should also afford San Francisco the luxury of being able to rest Buckner a bit more on a play-by-play basis, when needed.

Why this matters in training camp is because the pads will come on, and there won’t be any “mock sacks” any longer.

The impact both Ford and Bosa will have on Buckner should be apparent right away before the regular season begins.