49ers roster: Power ranking 5 most important players entering 2021

49ers Player No. 3: Nick Bosa

Nick Bosa is back on the field for San Francisco in 2021, and the 49ers Faithful can all breathe a sigh of relief because this time couldn’t have come quickly enough.

While the Niners weren’t totally impotent when it came to sacks last year, thanks to the efforts of former 49ers EDGE Kerry Hyder, the defensive line was a few steps below its dominant 2019 self.

Some regression was expected with former defensive tackle DeForest Buckner traded to the Indianapolis Colts, but that was part of the plan. What was not part of the plan, however, was to have starting edge-rushing duo of Bosa and Dee Ford on the sidelines for 31 of a combined 32 games in 2020.

Bosa is the crown jewel of the defensive line and the cornerstone of the pass rush. Having him back on the field is going to be integral for San Francisco to rush the passer with only four players, as it would prefer to do.