49ers’ top 4 MVP candidates: Can anyone beat George Kittle?

49ers MVP Candidate No. 3: EDGE Nick Bosa

After his nine-sack first year in the NFL, EDGE Nick Bosa‘s inaugural season resulted in his selection as the Defensive Rookie of the Year for 2019 and prompted many to think he’d soon be a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in the not-so-distant future.

Unfortunately, Bosa’s torn ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season all but derailed that from happening right away, and now the only hope is he’ll be fully recovered in time for this year.

Sings are looking good for this, of course. And there’s no doubting Bosa will wind up being a key cog in the Niners defense again this season.

Bosa might be tasked with performing at an even higher level in 2021, too, particularly if fellow EDGE Dee Ford remains out with a back injury. This could prompt Bosa to see an increase in his sack totals, likely making him San Francisco’s leading sack specialist over the course of the year and pushing him into first-team All-Pro consideration.

The 49ers defensive line might not be quite as prolific as it was during Bosa’s rookie 2019 season. But fellow cast members like Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw and Samson Ebukam could potentially make Bosa’s prowess just as formidable as it was two years ago.

If so, look for Bosa to earn some consideration as the Niners’ team MVP.