Niner Noise
FanSided

3 49ers players who could win NFL MVP award in 2020

By Josh Altorfer

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Levi's Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 07: George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Levi's Stadium on October 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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Nick Bosa, 49ers
Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

No. 2: EDGE Nick Bosa

Unlike the tight end position, there have been defensive linemen who have brought home the NFL MVP award however, they have been few and far between.

The last defensive player to win an MVP award was the New York Giants’ Lawrence Taylor in 1986. Since then, either a quarterback or a running back has won the award.

L.T. racked up an incredible 20.5 sacks in his 1986 campaign. He was a dominant force whom opposing quarterbacks had nightmares about.

For Nick Bosa to be considered for the 2020 MVP award, he would have to take down the quarterback close to 20 times and strike the same fear Taylor did in his prime.

This just might be possible.

The 49ers were fortunate to have a talented group of defensive lineman who remained healthy throughout 2019. This allowed defensive coordinator Robert Saleh the luxury of rotating his pass-rushers to keep them fresh.

The Niners might not be so lucky next year. The team’s total sack leader, Arik Armstead, is an unrestricted free agent and another healthy year for the entire line can’t be assured.

All of this could force Bosa to play more snaps than he did in his rookie season. Bosa played 777 total defensive snaps last year and recorded nine sacks. For comparison, the 2019 sack leader Shaquil Barrett played 889 snaps on his way to 19.5 sacks.

An inflated snap total and a year of NFL experience under his belt could be enough to push Bosa to the best pass-rusher in the game.

Bosa was already a headache for opposing coaches and quarterbacks in his first season. When a generational talent gains confidence and knowledge, incredible things can happen. 2020 could finally be the year we see another defensive player be considered the most valuable player in the league.