Nick Bosa is the constant. What about the rest of the line?
Under Kyle Shanahan, the San Francisco 49ers have been known for their offensive prowess and defensive line power. In 2019, the 49ers boasted a defensive line of Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, and Dee Ford as their best pass-rushing unit.
Kris Kocurek and the two best defensive coordinators (Robert Saleh and DeMeco Ryans) during Shanahan’s time have been able to generate defensive line power with players who possess desirable traits but have been unable to translate those traits into success in the NFL. Think Charles Omenihu and Arden Key.
Fast forward to 2025, and Saleh has returned, but the only constant player who can set their watch to is Bosa. The 49ers replenished their defensive line in the draft after a mass exodus of defensive line players this offseason.
But just how far has the 49ers’ defensive line fallen heading into 2025?
Zoltan Buday of Pro Football Focus has the 49ers’ defensive line outside of the top 20 in 2025.
Once considered to be the best defensive line in football, the 49ers’ unit now relies mainly on star edge rusher Nick Bosa. The Ohio State product earned a 91.0 PFF overall grade in 2024, which ranked fourth among edge defenders. The rest of the group leaves a lot to be desired. The 49ers must hope that Bryce Huff can find his old form as he reunites with Robert Saleh. Huff was among the best situational pass rushers in the league during his time with the Jets.
Huff’s addition is the perfect complement to the additions in the draft set to improve the 49ers’ run defense. Mykel Williams will be able to rush the passer from the inside, and Yetur Gross-Matos will likely fill out the four-man line on passing downs with Bosa and Huff.
The key to the defense and the defensive line’s success is stopping the run. Putting offenses in predictable passing situations and downs will allow Saleh and the defense to feast on opposing offenses.
Is the 49ers’ defensive line outside of the top 20? I’d disagree, but the sentiment of why they are cannot be ignored. The only way to change the narrative is on the field.