SF 49ers: 3 players who’ll help DeMeco Ryans most in 2021

No. 1: SF 49ers EDGE Nick Bosa

The drop-off in the SF 49ers defense from 2019 to 2020 can mostly be attributed to the decline in the pass rush from one season to the next.

EDGE Nick Bosa‘s rookie season for the Niners was unprecedented in terms of pressures created, as Pro Football Focus notched him as having racked up 102 total pressures last season, including the playoffs, 80 of which came in the regular season.

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In 2020, the leader for San Francisco was defensive lineman Kerry Hyder with 55 total pressures, and while that was still good for 20th in the league according to PFF, the precipitous fall in that category impacted the Niners defense on all levels.

Bosa, of course, will be returning from an ACL injury suffered in Week 2 against the Jets at MetLife Stadium, although all signs point to his rehab going well and to Bosa being ready for the start of the 2021 season.

And his presence will be vital to DeMeco Ryans’ move into the defensive coordinator position because of just how much attention he attracts from the opposing offense, freeing up players like Fred Warner, defensive lineman Arik Armstead, and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, and the defensive backs to make plays elsewhere.

The hope is Bosa will be back to his old self in 2021, giving Ryans one fewer thing to think about as he transitions into his new role.

In Bosa, Warner, and Jimmie Ward, Ryans should have a trio of players on whom he can lean to help ease his transition. Not only are they each top players at their respective positions, but they are also complementary players who will help Ryans forge another top defensive unit in 2021.