Did 49ers hit or reach on their last 6 top-10 NFL Draft picks?

3 of 7

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

49ers 2019 top-10 NFL Draft pick: Nick Bosa

No. 2 overall

More or less the second that it was confirmed the Arizona Cardinals were taking a quarterback first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, San Francisco’s subsequent draft pick at No. 2 overall was a lock with EDGE Nick Bosa.

The Ohio State product was a No. 1 overall pick in many minds ahead of the draft, and luckily for the 49ers, the Cardinals were in the market for a quarterback again after the “Josh Rosen Project” failed. The Cardinals ended up selecting Kyler Murray, and the Niners were able to bring Bosa to the Bay Area.

Bosa didn’t disappoint in his rookie season totaling nine sacks, 16 tackles for a loss and 25 quarterback hits in 16 games during his rookie season. Oh, and he also had an interception.

He would earn a Pro Bowl selection and win the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award for his 2019 campaign, looking like a seasoned veteran and ready to lead San Francisco’s defense. His 2020 season was cut short due to a torn ACL in Week 2, however, which saw him miss the remainder of the season.

With a lot riding on his 2021 comeback season, he returned somehow even better than before, finishing the year with 15.5 sacks, 21 tackles for a loss, 32 QB hits and four forced fumbles.

Bosa would again earn a Pro Bowl selection and help lead his team to a playoff berth, solidifying himself as a team leader.

Hit or Reach: Hit