Ranking the 49ers 5 most impressive players from 2020 playoffs

No. 1: EDGE Nick Bosa

Calling rookie EDGE Nick Bosa‘s first season in the NFL a monster campaign almost feels like an understatement. The NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year was an absolute problem for offensive lines all season long, as he racked up incredible numbers to cap off his rookie season.

The former Ohio State Buckeye ended his first NFL season with nine sacks, 47 total tackles (including 16 for loss), one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and one of the best interceptions of the season:

His year, according to PFF, was also insane, as he was their 28th best-graded player across all of the NFL, and he was tied for sixth (with Los Angeles Rams All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald) for total pressures created with 80.

That number, by the way, led rookie defenders by a long way:

And the scary part is Bosa might have been even better in the playoffs, where the rookie racked up four more sacks, 15 total tackles (including three for loss), two passes defended and one forced fumble.

His PFF grades came in at the elite level twice (91.6 overall in the divisional round and 90.1 overall in the Super Bowl), with a strange dip down to 59.7 overall in the NFC Championship game, despite three pressures and a sack.

Bosa’s Super Bowl performance was a masterclass in pass rushing, as he bullied the Chiefs offensive line to the tune of 12 pressures, including one sack, one hit and 10 hurries on his way to a 90.5 pass-rush grade.

Even though the 49ers did not ultimately secure victory in the final game of the season, there’s no denying Bosa’s impact on the game, and on the Niners defense throughout the season and the playoffs.

And the thing that should worry the rest of the NFL — and make 49ers fans absolutely giddy — is that he’s just a rookie. So there’s a good chance that the best is still yet to come.